Tonight, the Anaheim Ducks face off against the Colorado Avalanche in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Ducks, boasting an impressive 11-3-1 record, are currently riding a seven-game win streak, the longest active streak in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Avalanche, with a 10-1-5 record, have won their last three games and are looking to maintain their strong position in the Central Division. The puck drops at Ball Arena at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a look at the projected lineups for both teams:

Anaheim Ducks

• Forwards:
  • Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry
  • Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Beckett Sennecke
  • Nikita Nesterenko - Ryan Poehling - Alex Killorn
  • Ross Johnston - Jansen Harkins - Frank Vatrano
• Defense:
  • Jackson LaCombe - Drew Helleson
  • Olen Zellweger - Jacob Trouba
  • Pavel Mintyukov - Ian Moore
• Goalies:
  • Lukas Dostal
  • Petr Mrazek

Scratched for the Ducks is Sam Colangelo. Ryan Strome (upper body), Radko Gudas (lower body), and Mikael Granlund (lower body) are currently injured but are traveling with the team on their road trip, suggesting a potential return in the near future.

Colorado Avalanche

• Forwards:
  • Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas
  • Ross Colton - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin
  • Gabriel Landeskog - Jack Drury - Victor Olofsson
  • Parker Kelly - Zakhar Bardakov - Gavin Brindley
• Defense:
  • Devon Toews - Cale Makar
  • Josh Manson - Brent Burns
  • Jack Ahcan - Sam Malinski
• Goalies:
  • Scott Wedgewood
  • Mackenzie Blackwood

Ilya Solovyov is expected to be scratched for the Avalanche. Injured players include Samuel Girard (upper body), Logan O'Connor (hip surgery), and Joel Kiviranta (lower body). Girard is nearing a return and could be back in the lineup this week.

Players to Watch

For the Ducks, Leo Carlsson has been on a tear, and is tied for second in the NHL in scoring with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists). Cutter Gauthier has also been a key contributor, with 11 goals and nine assists. Keep an eye on Nathan MacKinnon for the Avalanche, who leads the league in both goals (14) and points (29). Cale Makar is also having a strong season, leading all defensemen in scoring.

The Ducks are averaging 4.9 goals per game in their last ten games, while allowing 2.8 goals per game. The Avalanche are averaging 5.2 goals per game in their last six, while allowing 2.7. This suggests a high-scoring affair could be in store.

This game promises to be an exciting contest between two of the Western Conference's top teams. The Ducks will look to continue their winning streak, while the Avalanche will aim to defend their home ice and maintain their lead in the Central Division.