The Colorado Avalanche are still dominating the entire NHL, as they have the most points (29), fewest regulation losses (1) and best goal differential (+28) in the league through the first five weeks of the season. Nathan MacKinnon is playing like the MVP while Cale Makar and Martin Necas are each in the top 10 in individual points scored.
Last week, the Avalanche jumped to No. 1 on the NHL’s Super 16 list, their version of power rankings. After the Avs put together a perfect week, they weren’t challenged by anyone below them for the top spot, as they held the throne.
Colorado took down Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim and Buffalo this past week. The offense looked sharp throughout as they averaged six goals per game, highlighted by a nine-spot against the Oilers.
While MacKinnon, Makar and Necas have been dominant, it’s been an all-around team effort throughout the team’s five-game win streak, the longest in the league. Scott Wedgewood, the backup goalie who’s been playing like a starter, has been dominant in between the pipes while Mackenzie Blackwood has started to slowly work back from a lower-body injury, Gavin Brindley has been a breath of fresh air in the bottom six as the 21-year-old has played his way into a two-year contract extension with the team.
Gabriel Landeskog looks healthy and found the back of the net in a regular season game for the first time in three and a half years, while Victor Olofsson has instantly made his presence felt as a solid depth piece in Jared Bednar’s lineup.
The burgundy and blue are set to play just four games in the next 12 days, starting with a home contest against the Islanders on Sunday. They’ll have to wait until next Thursday to host the Rangers before heading east for a back-to-back against Nashville and Chicago on the 22nd and 23rd.
This team looks like one that can bring home a Stanley Cup, barring injuries and anything else unforeseen. As things stand right now, it’s clear that the Avalanche are a level above every other team in the league.
