The Colorado Avalanche just became the first NHL team to punch their ticket to the 2026 playoffs, and they did it in style with a convincing 4-1 win over Chicago.
They’ve been absolutely crushing it this season. With 100 points already and 14 games still to play, they’re on pace to hit 120 points – which would be the best in team history.
That’s even better than their championship season in 2021-22, when they racked up 119 points.
Nathan MacKinnon has been leading the charge. He’s third in the NHL with 111 points and might just take home the MVP trophy this year. And when you pair him with superstar defenseman Cale Makar, you’ve got a duo that keeps opposing coaches up at night.
But what makes this team really scary? Their depth.
They’re stacked down the middle with MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, and recently acquired Nazem Kadri – probably the strongest center lineup in the league.
The goalie tandem of Scott Wedgewood and MacKenzie Blackwood has been lights out too.
Want to talk about dominating the game? The Avs are near the top of the league in all the key stats – scoring chances, expected goals, you name it. They’re just that good at controlling the play.
While Dallas and Minnesota will give them a run for their money in the playoffs, this Avalanche team looks like they’ve got all the pieces to bring another Stanley Cup back to Denver.
They’ve already made history this season. Now they’re looking to make some more.
