It’s been a season of quiet dominance from the Avalanche so far. Aside from a minor blip in Boston several weeks ago, Colorado (9-1-5) has been unbeatable in regulation. And after a 9-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, the already No. 1 seed in the league is suddenly feeling a lot better about itself.
The accolades are endless for a team that’s spent years mired in injuries and goalie issues. Two things they haven’t dealt with this season.
The Avs lead the league with 59 goals.
They also have an NHL-best 2.4 goals-against per game.
Nathan MacKinnon is tied for the NHL lead in goals (12) and points (24). Cale Makar is a whopping seven points clear of second place in points among defensemen. Scott Wedgewood has a league-leading nine wins. Everything is seemingly going their way.
Sure, the power play is struggling, and yes, there’s also that weird 0-5 record in overtime and the shootout. However, both of those are fixable, and they are likely to improve beyond their current state.
Any way you shake it, the Canucks have their hands full tonight. Even after a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, the Canucks (8-8-0), have struggled to put together multiple games of consistent play.
If Thatcher Demko remains unavailable, they’ll have to either role with Kevin Lankinen on consecutive nights, or play Jiri Patera in goal against a high-scoring Avalanche roster.
The Avs are countering with Mackenzie Blackwood. Their usual No. 1 goalie is making just his second start of the season as he continues to shake off the rust of missing all of training camp and the preseason.
Blackwood was in goal last weekend when Colorado lost 3-2 in OT in San Jose. That was also the second of a back to back. But After two more practice days, the Avs’ starting goalie is getting into more of a rhythm.
