The Colorado Avalanche top the toughest division in the NHL. That’s not hyperbole. The numbers back up that assertion. The top three teams in the league all come from the Central Division.

The Avalanche top the league with 57 points entering Sunday’s action. Behind them, the Dallas Stars have 53, while the “Quinnesota” Wild have 49. That situation has earned the Central the nickname of the “Death Valley” division.

That moniker has gained traction thanks to insider Elliotte Friedman. In his latest 32 Thought Blog, Friedman alluded to how tough the Central Division has become. He wrote:

“One GM referred to the Central as “Death Valley Division.” Do not underestimate Hughes’ competitive juices. Some might shy away from this three-way bludgeonfest with Colorado and Dallas. He won’t. He’ll want to go head-to-head with Miro Heiskanen and Cale Makar — just as they will want to go head-to-head with him.  (And don’t forget Josh Morrissey.) These guys are the best. They want that challenge.”

Indeed, the Central has now gotten a tad tougher thanks to the arrival of Quinn Hughes in Minnesota. But beyond Hughes, the Central was already a tough division. The caliber of opponents in that group has been excellent this season.

Beyond Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota, the Utah Mammoth have been a strong team this season. They are 17-17-3 this season, but have shown that they are one of the most exciting teams in the Western Conference. The Mammoth are currently tied with the San Jose Sharks with 37 points, putting a hair outside of the playoff picture due to an additional overtime loss.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues have seemingly turned things around somewhat. They’re one win away from a playoff spot. That’s five teams of the eight with a legit shot at a playoff spot.

It’s worth pointing out that last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Winnipeg Jets, have unfortunately regressed this season. But they are still a talented team and have the best goalie in the world. That situation could mean that the Jets could make a run and get back into the playoff race at any time.

As for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators, they’ve struggled this season. But the Blackhawks have to be one of the most exciting young teams in the league. Before long, the Death Valley division could have another juggernaut.

As it stands, the Death Valley division could claim five of the eight playoff spots in the Western Conference. That’s a pretty tough group to compete in for pretty much any team in the NHL.