When the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers get together, there’s an overflow of offensive firepower available.

Sam Malinski didn’t need a heart-to-heart, in-depth meeting. He got the message. Malinski, a healthy scratch for the past three games, returns to the lineup Wednesday night in a pivotal Central Division showdown against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena.

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar issued an honest message to Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and the rest of the team after a 3-2 overtime loss against the Winnipeg Jets.

Valeri Nichushkin appeared close to a possible return as he practiced with the team but he didn’t make it through the entire workout.

Jared Bednar had a blunt, one-word summation after Colorado rallied for a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers.

Just ask Jared Bednar. "It's been a grind ... Since Dec. 1, only one NHL team has more points than the Avalanche - the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado's opponent on Thursday. It's time to give Bednar ...

The Colorado Avalanche has hit a snag on its potential climb to the top of the Central Division, and the most surprising part is what’s currently the biggest issue. When the Avs stumbled to a 14-13 start,

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was visibly frustrated with his team's performance after their 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Monday.

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had a blunt, one-word summation after his team rallied for a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers, calling it “unimpressive.”

The Colorado Avalanche put up a short performance against division rival Minnesota Wild in their fourth of a five-game homestand. Nathan MacKinnon scores Colorado's lone goal in the 3-1 loss.

Instead, the Avs operated with the urgency of Eeyore. And the crowd wasn’t exactly buzzing either. For long stretches, the only sound was sticks clicking the ice. Close your eyes and it was hard to tell if this was Ball Arena or a Family Sports Center practice.