As the NHL regular season approaches its end, the Colorado Avalanche are surging, establishing themselves as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. While many teams are struggling to secure a playoff spot, the Avalanche are demonstrating all the qualities needed for a deep playoff run.
Since February, the Avalanche have achieved the league’s best record (11-3-1), showcasing their dominance. Their goal difference of plus-22 is only surpassed by the Tampa Bay Lightning, another team in excellent form.
Colorado’s management has been proactive in strengthening the team, notably improving their goaltending and adding Martin Necas, who has seamlessly integrated into the forward lines. Further bolstering their roster at the trade deadline with Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, the Avalanche have solidified their center depth.
Key players like Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the league with 103 points, and defenseman Cale Makar, the top-scoring defenseman with 25 goals and 53 assists, are driving the team’s success.
While other teams are focused on playoff qualification, the Avalanche have their sights set on the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup. Their consistent performance makes them a team to watch every game.
NHL Power Rankings
Here’s the updated NHL Power Rankings, including each team’s playoff chances:
Biggest Movers
- Hurricanes: Up 5
- Blue Jackets: Down 6
| Rk | Teams | Commentary | Chg | Rcrd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avalanche | Everything is clicking for the Avalanche, especially goaltending. | 3 | 42-25-3 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | Defense leads the way during a seven-game winning streak. | 5 | 42-22-4 |
| 3 | Jets | Winning the Central Division is almost secured for the Jets. | 2 | 48-18-4 |
| 4 | Stars | Stanley Cup contenders, but five-on-five play has dipped recently. | 3 | 43-21-4 |
| 5 | Capitals | Presidents’ Trophy race with the Jets; Ovechkin chasing Gretzky’s record. | 3 | 46-15-8 |
| 6 | Panthers | Atlantic Division lead down to two points, facing injuries. | 3 | 42-24-3 |
| 7 | Lightning | Scariest team in the Atlantic, especially with Vasilevskiy’s form. | 2 | 40-23-5 |
| 8 | Maple Leafs | In the mix in the Atlantic, potential Battle of Florida in playoffs. | — | 42-24-3 |
| 9 | Golden Knights | Performance dips without Jack Eichel, concerning for playoffs. | 3 | 40-20-8 |
| 10 | Senators | Six-game win streak, likely playoff-bound for the first time since 2017. | 4 | 36-27-5 |
| 11 | Kings | Collision course with Oilers again, strong defense but scoring questions. | 1 | 37-21-9 |
| 12 | Oilers | Depth is a concern, but Draisaitl and McDavid can carry the team. | — | 40-24-5 |
| 13 | Devils | Meier heating up, Devils recovered after Hughes injury. | — | 37-27-6 |
| 14 | Blues | Playing well under Montgomery, surprised playoff chances aren’t higher. | 2 | 35-28-7 |
| 15 | Wild | Playoffs likely, but struggling with injuries and scoring. | 4 | 39-25-5 |
| 16 | Canadiens | Fun team, playoff magic, but underlying metrics are troublesome. | 2 | 33-27-8 |
| 17 | Canucks | Fighting for wild card, Pettersson and Boeser need to spark. | 3 | 32-25-12 |
| 18 | Hockey Club | Positive season for Utah, but playoff math is challenging. | 4 | 31-27-11 |
| 19 | Flames | Close to playoffs due to one-goal game record, need more regulation wins. | 2 | 32-25-11 |
| 20 | Rangers | Inconsistent, miracle playoff chances, need Shesterkin to be outstanding. | 1 | 33-31-6 |
| 21 | Blue Jackets | Running out of steam, struggling to score, difficult schedule ahead. | 6 | 31-28-9 |
| 22 | Islanders | Always find a way to playoff contention, can’t be counted out. | 2 | 32-28-8 |
| 23 | Red Wings | Raymond struggling, playoff drought likely to continue. | 6 | 32-30-6 |
| 24 | Ducks | Improved season, but still far from playoff contention. | 1 | 30-31-8 |
| 25 | Penguins | Disastrous season, but Dubas accumulating draft capital for future. | 5 | 28-32-10 |
| 26 | Sabres | Playoff drought to hit 14 years, fans’ patience wearing thin. | 3 | 27-34-6 |
| 27 | Bruins | Struggles might force a rebuild, focus on core players. | 2 | 30-31-9 |
| 28 | Kraken | Bylsma’s first year not successful, roster issues need addressing. | 1 | 30-35-5 |
| 29 | Predators | Big spending not paying off, hoping for outlier season. | 1 | 25-35-8 |
| 30 | Flyers | Tough season, but Michkov and high draft pick are positives. | 4 | 28-34-8 |
| 31 | Sharks | Time to jump on the bandwagon, young talent showing potential. | 1 | 18-42-9 |
| 32 | Blackhawks | No improvement, Bedard can’t carry the team, not competitive yet. | 1 | 20-40-9 |
