After another weeklong NFL-esque break, it’s finally time for the Avalanche to hit the ice again.

Game 1 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche will take place Wednesday, and here are three keys to the game if the Avalanche want to get off to a good start.

Who is (and isn’t) healthy?

While all eyes in Colorado are focused on the health of defenseman Cale Makar, the Golden Knights might be missing a crucial part of their lineup.

Vegas captain Mark Stone missed the final three games of their series against Anaheim and hasn’t participated in a practice since. The team has stayed silent on the status of his health, but his potential absence looms large, as Stone is one of the best two-way wingers in the NHL.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar didn’t seem concerned about Makar’s status for Wednesday’s game, but until he hits the ice for warmups, the same can’t be said about fans. Makar hasn’t practiced or taken morning skate since Game 1 against Minnesota, but he has managed to play in every game. The expectation is that he will play against Vegas. Artturi Lehkonen, Brent Burns and Sam Malinski also appear as though they will be ready to play when the puck drops Wednesday.

Get to Carter Hart

Vegas goaltender Carter Hart is playing well, but he’s yet to face a team that can come in waves like the Avalanche. Expect the Golden Knights to clog the middle of the ice and neutral zone, much like Colorado’s first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Kings. Colorado might have to stay patient like they did in round one, and when they do get some time in the offensive zone, not allowing Hart to see the puck will be crucial.

Find some stability in net

The Avalanche are comfortable rotating goaltenders, but they don’t want to have to continue doing it inside of games. Bednar has had to pull his starting goaltender in two of the last three games the Avalanche have played and that’s typically not a recipe for success.

The expectation is that Scott Wedgewood will be the starting goaltender Wednesday, and a strong performance from him would go a long way in stabilizing the situation.