{"id":367559,"date":"2025-11-09T19:49:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T19:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/367559\/"},"modified":"2025-11-09T19:49:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T19:49:13","slug":"game-preview-can-avs-continue-early-season-dominance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/367559\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Preview: Can Avs Continue Early Season Dominance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The accolades are endless for a team that\u2019s spent years mired in injuries and goalie issues. Two things they haven\u2019t dealt with this season.<\/p>\n

The Avs lead the league with 59 goals.<\/p>\n

They also have an NHL-best 2.4 goals-against per game.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Sure, the power play is struggling, and yes, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If Thatcher Demko remains unavailable, they\u2019ll have to either role with Kevin Lankinen on consecutive nights, or play Jiri Patera in goal against a high-scoring Avalanche roster.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 starting goalie is getting into more of a rhythm.<\/p>\n


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