SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Hockey Club returns to the Delta Center ice Thursday to face one of the hottest teams in the NHL. After dropping their first four games, Colorado has won three games in a row, while Utah is coming off their second shutout of the season with a 4-0 loss at home to Ottawa.

Utah Hockey Club and Colorado Avalanche may take time to develop a rivalry, despite geographic proximity. Head coach André Tourigny, a former Nordiques fan, holds no animosity towards the Avalanche, having coached in Colorado. The first game between the teams was one-sided, with Colorado winning 5-1, indicating rivalry development may be gradual.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Casey Mittelstadt had a goal and two assists for the Colorado Avalanche, who won their fourth straight game with a 5-1 victory against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center on Thursday.

Utah lost 5-1 to the Colorado Avalanche Thursday in the first meeting between the recently minted Rocky Mountain rivals to close out a three-game home stand.

When the Colorado Avalanche play the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center on Thursday (beginning at 9:00 PM ET), Cale Makar and Clayton Keller should be two of the best players to keep an eye on. See below to read more about Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club leaders, insights, and a predicted winner.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Colorado Avalanche vs. Utah Hockey Club NHL game to be played on October 24, 2024 on ESPN.