2026-06-16 · Syracuse.com

The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Western Conference Final, starting on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated matchup follows their last postseason encounter in 2021, where the Golden Knights eliminated the Avalanche. As the Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Avalanche are looking to reclaim their dominance in this series. Most of the team returned to practice after a two-day break, although key players like Cale Makar, Brent Burns, and Artturi Lehkonen were notably absent due to injuries. Coach Jared Bednar indicated that the break has been beneficial for the players dealing with various ailments. The Avalanche are expected to finalize their game plan closer to the game date, focusing on their strategy against the Golden Knights. With a mix of excitement and anticipation, the team is ready to take on the challenge ahead in this crucial playoff series.