The defending Stanley Cup champions take on the best team in the NHL on Thursday night, as the Florida Panthers pay a visit to the Colorado Avalanche in a marquee matchup.

The Florida Panthers visit the Colorado Avalanche after Sam Bennett scored two goals in the Panthers' 4-3 win against the Utah Mammoth

The Colorado Avalanche came into Thursday night's matchup against the New York Islanders riding one of the most impressive runs in recent NHL history. They had

MacKinnon’s status is now uncertain for Tuesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. He is currently on a three-game point streak, with three goals and four assists over that span. He has also recorded 13 multi-point games in 25 appearances this season.

The Colorado Avalanche honored the Stanley Cup champions from 30 years ago, then the current club worked over the two-time defending champs.

The Nashville Predators play the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Dec. 13. On Dec. 11, Steven Stamkos tied a franchise record with four goals against the St. Louis Blues in a 7-2 win for the Predators. Nashville (12-14-4, 28 points) has won six of its last eight games but is still in eighth place in the Central Division.

Cale Makar's game-tying goal with eight seconds remaining in regulation helped the Avalanche secure a point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday. Brock Nelson and Artturi Lehkonen also scored for Colorado, while Martin Necas posted two assists.