Chicago @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 18, 2019 ) Colorado 4, Chicago 1

The Colorado Avalanche have lost two of three following a nine-game point streak (8-0-1) but they hope to rebound against an opponent they have dominated this season. The Avalanche have won all three meetings against the Chicago Blackhawks by a combined 16-6 count and will host their Central Division rival on Saturday in their second matchup in four days.

Colorado owns a seven-game point streak (5-0-2) against the Blackhawks after beating them for the third time in three weeks with a 4-1 victory at Chicago on Wednesday. Nathan MacKinnon, who extended his point streak to seven games in Thursday's 3-1 loss to Carolina, has tormented the Blackhawks with three goals and eight points in the three matchups. Chicago, sitting in last place in the Central, bounced back from its loss to the Avalanche with a 4-1 win at Winnipeg on Thursday -- its fifth victory in 16 games (5-9-2). “It’s a big step for us,” goaltender Robin Lehner said. “We defended well, we didn’t take any unnecessary chances, we kept getting the puck deep. ... Big learning period for us, and it’s very valuable going forward.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago-Plus, Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (14-16-6): Patrick Kane had a four-point night versus the Jets, setting up three tallies before scoring to boost his team-high totals to 19 goals, 25 assists and 44 points. However, the victory was dulled by an ankle injury to forward Brandon Saad, who is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. "He's been great for us all year pretty much," Kane said. "He's a guy that can push the pace, make a lot of plays by himself, he's a really good skater obviously, a powerful skater where he can beat (the) defense."

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (22-10-3): Defenseman Erik Johnson returned to the lineup Thursday after sitting out 11 games due to a lower-body injury and recorded five blocked shots and three shots on goal. "I thought he was good," coach Jared Bednar said. "I thought he was moving pretty good for missing the time that he did. He made some plays, pretty poised with the puck, it's good to have him back." Colorado is hoping to have another key blue-liner back with the possible return of star rookie Cale Makar, who has been out six games.

OVERTIME

1. Avalanche F Mikko Rantanen has two goals and six points in two matchups versus Chicago this season.

2. Blackhawks D Brent Seabrook, a healthy scratch Wednesday, did not travel with the team to undergo medical evaluation.

3. Colorado was 1-for-6 on the power play Thursday and is 2-for-9 versus Chicago this season.

PREDICTION: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3