Semyon Varlamov will make his eighth opening night start, passing Patrick Roy for the most in franchise history, when the Avalanche and Minnesota open the 2018-19 season on Thursday at the Pepsi Center.

“You haven’t played in a while and you’re very excited about playing the first game,” he said. “I’m sure the building will be full and the crowd will be very excited.

“It’s been a long summer for me. I haven’t played in a while. I played a couple games in the preseason and I felt good. I feel healthy and strong, mentally prepared for this season. I can tell I’m ready to play.”

It will be the 400th NHL game for Varlamov, who has a 193-150-41 career record. But he’s 11-12-1 against the Wild.

Defenseman Ian Cole and forward Matt Calvert will make their Avalanche debuts after signing three-year contracts as free agents on July 1. Forward Sheldon Dries, who signed as a free agent July 2, will make his NHL debut.

Devan Dubnyk will start in goal for Minnesota. He has a 16-11-1 career record against the Avalanche.

The Avalanche lineup (Mark Barberio is the lone healthy scratch):

FORWARDS
Gabriel Landeskog -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen
Alexander Kerfoot -- Tyson Jost -- Colin Wilson
Sheldon Dries -- J.T. Compher – Matt Calvert
Matt Nieto -- Carl Soderberg – Gabriel Bourque

DEFENSE
Samuel Girard -- Erik Johnson
Nikita Zadorov – Tyson Barrie
Patrik Nemeth – Ian Cole

GOALIES
Semyon Varlamov
Philipp Grubauer



Follow @RickS7

Join the Discussion: » 13 Comments » Post New Comment

» One-year deal for Johansson

» One more postseason disappointment

» Bednar cleared to coach tonight; MacKinnon Hart finalist

» Cale Makar a Norris Trophy finalist

» Jost: Do or die Game 5 tonight; Kadri suspension upheld