Five most important Avalanche games during the 2026-27 season

The full 84-game 2026-27 schedule for the Colorado Avalanche came out on Thursday.

Yes, the NHL has shifted from 82 contests during the regular season to 84.

And while all eyes will be on Colorado pursuing another Stanley Cup come April, May and June, the journey is still worth soaking in. The Avalanche have made no secret they want the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

This past season that happened, as they earned the Presidents’ Trophy and then cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Unfortunately, it all came crashing down against Vegas in the Western Conference Final.

But that’s in the past now. Let’s look at the five most important games of next season for the Avalanche:

No. 5 – at Utah, Thursday Dec. 31, 4:00 p.m.

This will be a fun one because it’s outdoors. The Avalanche and Mammoth will meet at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City for the NHL Winter Classic. Utah is a rising team in the Central Division, but let’s be honest, New Year’s Eve and hockey in the elements are why this game made the top-5. It should be a blast.

No. 4 – vs. Dallas, Sunday Jan. 24, 3:00 p.m.

The Avalanche and Stars will wrap up their season series in January, so this could be a big two points. In fact Colorado and Dallas have two back-to-backs all year and this is the fourth game after a Friday night showdown in Dallas. They didn’t meet in the postseason in 2026, but the rivalry between the Avs and Stars lives on. It might also be key in the standings.

No. 3 – vs. Los Angeles, Wednesday Sept. 30, 8:00 p.m.

The season opener is always fun with fans sure to overreact one way or another. It being in September doesn’t feel great, but that’s the downside of an extended season. The Avalanche swept the Kings in the playoffs a couple of months ago in a series that saw two tight games at Ball Arena. Setting the tone for the whole campaign would be nice with a victory.

No. 2 – vs. Minnesota, Saturday April 10, 1:00 p.m.

It might be cliche to put the final game of the regular season on the list, but perhaps the division will be up for grabs? Who knows, although it feels like the Wild will be the biggest challenger to the Avs this year. Colorado took care of Minnesota in the playoffs in five games, but if seeding is on the line you can bet this will be highly contested. Plus, it’s easy to dislike the Wild.

No. 1 – at Vegas, Saturday Jan. 2, 8:00 p.m.

The first chance at revenge against the Golden Knights comes on the second day of 2027. It’s still hard to comprehend that Vegas swept Colorado out of the playoffs. In a Stanley Cup or bust year, it busted in a big way. And while a win in wouldn’t rinse that feeling, it’d help get the confidence for the Avalanche against the Knights back on track. Colorado players likely have this one circled as well.

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