Surprising Stars vs Avalanche Lineups Reveal Key Absences

Image Source: NHL.com

Stars vs Avalanche headlines Wednesday night’s NHL action as Dallas visits Colorado in a Central Division matchup featuring a quick rematch, notable absences and several important lineup decisions. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on HBO Max, truTV and TNT.

The Avalanche enter the contest with a 4-2-0 record, while the Stars are 2-3-1. Colorado is returning home after defeating Dallas 3-2 on Tuesday, giving the Avalanche an immediate opportunity to build momentum against the same opponent. Dallas, meanwhile, will look to respond and even the short series.

Stars vs Avalanche projected lineups bring major changes

Dallas is expected to make one change from its previous lineup, with Joel Kiviranta returning after missing three games because of a lower-body injury. He is projected to join Radek Faksa and Colin Blackwell on the fourth line.

The Stars’ top unit remains led by Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Jamie Benn. The second line features Justin Hryckowian, Sam Steel and Mikko Rantanen, while Oskar Back, Arttu Hyry and Tyler Seguin are projected to skate together on the third line.

• Top line: Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Jamie Benn
• Second line: Justin Hryckowian, Sam Steel and Mikko Rantanen
• Third line: Oskar Back, Arttu Hyry and Tyler Seguin
• Defense pairing: Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen
• Projected goalies: Casey DeSmith and Jake Oettinger

Wyatt Johnston did not travel with Dallas and is listed as unavailable because of an illness. Matt Duchene is also listed among the injured Stars. Kyle Capobianco is projected to be scratched.

Colorado looks to extend its early-season surge

Colorado’s lineup continues to feature a dangerous top group centered by Nathan MacKinnon. Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas are projected to flank the star center, creating a combination that can put pressure on Dallas from the opening shift.

The second line includes Gabriel Landeskog, Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri. Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov and T.J. Hughes are projected on the third unit, while Parker Kelly, Nicolas Roy and Zachary L’Heureux make up the anticipated fourth line.

• Top line: Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas
• Second line: Gabriel Landeskog, Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri
• Third line: Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov and T.J. Hughes
• Defense pairing: Devon Toews and Sam Malinski
• Projected goalies: Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood

Cale Makar is expected to miss his second consecutive game after his wife gave birth to twins. Logan O’Connor also remains out following the death of his father last week. Neither player is listed as injured, but both are unavailable for personal reasons.

L’Heureux was a late scratch during Tuesday’s game because of an upper-body injury. His availability remains uncertain ahead of puck drop. If he cannot play, Colorado is expected to recall a player from its American Hockey League affiliate.

Goaltending and special teams could decide the rematch

Casey DeSmith and Jake Oettinger are listed as Dallas’ projected goaltenders, while Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood are projected for Colorado. The final starter decisions could become especially important after the teams played a tight 3-2 game less than 24 hours earlier.

Without morning skates following Tuesday’s contest, the projected lineups remain subject to change. The late status of L’Heureux and the Stars’ health situation could influence both five-on-five combinations and special-teams deployment.

For Dallas, the priority will be generating more offense around Robertson, Hintz and Benn while limiting Colorado’s speed through the neutral zone. The Avalanche will aim to use MacKinnon’s line and its deep center group to create another challenging night for the Stars’ defense.

What to watch in Stars vs Avalanche

The rematch carries early-season significance for both teams. Colorado can strengthen its position near the top of the standings with another victory, while Dallas needs a response after falling short in Tuesday’s meeting.

• Whether Joel Kiviranta immediately impacts Dallas’ bottom-six attack
• How Colorado adjusts without Cale Makar
• Whether Zachary L’Heureux is cleared to play
• The performance of the projected goaltenders
• How Dallas handles Nathan MacKinnon’s line

As reported by NHL.com, neither team held a morning skate before Wednesday’s game. That means final confirmation on starters and late lineup changes may not arrive until shortly before the opening faceoff.

When is the Stars vs Avalanche game?

The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on October 14, 2026.

Where can fans watch Stars vs Avalanche?

The matchup is scheduled to air on HBO Max, truTV and TNT.

What is Dallas’ record entering the game?

The Stars enter with a 2-3-1 record after losing 3-2 to Colorado on Tuesday.

Why is Cale Makar expected to miss the game?

Makar is expected to miss his second straight game after his wife gave birth to twins.

Will Joel Kiviranta play for Dallas?

Kiviranta is projected to return after missing three games with a lower-body injury, although final lineups can change before puck drop.