The Secrets to the Colorado Avalanche's NHL Dominance

The Colorado Avalanche have turned heads this 2025-26 season with a staggering run, winning 34 of their first 48 games. Even after dropping two straight in regulation—their only such skid—questions arose about potential vulnerabilities.[1] Goaltender Scott Wedgewood dismissed the noise, prophesying a bounce-back that materialized in an emphatic 8-2 thrashing of the Ottawa Senators. Read the full game recap here.

This isn’t just one hot streak. The Avs lead the league in goals scored and allowed, projecting to 131 points—a mark just shy of the Boston Bruins’ record 135 from 2022-23.[1] With stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar anchoring the lineup, bolstered by savvy depth additions, Colorado looks primed for another Stanley Cup run.

A record-breaking pace

Colorado entered early January with just two regulation losses, fueling talk of historic greatness. Their offensive firepower tops the NHL, averaging more goals per game than any other team. Defensively, they’ve surrendered the fewest tallies, creating a suffocating style that overwhelms opponents.

The 8-2 Ottawa rout exemplified this balance. Josh Manson dropped the gloves early with Tyler Kleven, setting a physical tone. Colorado built a two-goal first-period lead, then erupted for six in the second. Samuel Girard, fight-free since 2019, even bested Tim Stutzle in a scrap.

Wedgewood captured the team’s mindset: “For whatever reason, the whole vibe is an expectation that because we’re a league leader and a threat that we are tense… That’s where we like, ‘We can kick someone’s ass. Let’s go to work.’ That’s freeing for the team.”[1]

This dominance persists despite injuries. Gabriel Landeskog returned from knee issues but suffered a lower-body setback on Jan. 4. Devon Toews has been sidelined since early January with an upper-body ailment. Yet the Avs keep winning.

Projections paint a rosy picture. At their current clip, they’ll challenge the points record while positioning as Cup favorites amid fierce Western Conference competition.[2]

Depth from smart front-office moves

General manager Chris MacFarland has masterminded a roster blending stars and bargain hunters. Newcomers integrate seamlessly, echoing past successes with players like Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Drouin.

Brock Nelson, traded last season and re-signed to a three-year, $7.5 million deal, projects for 40 goals as a reliable second-line center. Martin Necas, acquired in the Mikko Rantanen trade, eyes 38 goals and 103 points.

Veteran Brent Burns, 40, thrives on lower pairings, pacing for 43 points—a feat rivaling legends like Ray Bourque. Victor Olofsson nears 40 points again. Bottom-sixers Jack Drury and Parker Kelly chase double-digit goals.

• Key low-cost additions: Burns, Drury, Kelly, Sam Malinski, Olofsson ($6.525 million total cap hit)
• Malinski’s breakout: 41 projected points after 25 career total entering season
• Extension secured: Malinski through 2029-30

Burns praised the ethos: “The team has a lot of depth… It’s all four lines, all three of our D… It’s a team mentality. That’s the most special thing about it.”[1]

This depth shines without Logan O’Connor, out post-hip surgery. Twelve players have 20+ points through 50 games.

Goaltending stability on a budget

Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood form a tandem revolutionizing Colorado’s crease. Acquired last season, they boast a league-best .916 save percentage.

Blackwood extended for five years after four games. Wedgewood, a career backup, leads with 30 starts—his most ever. Even third-stringer Trent Miner shines at .933 in four outings.

Last year’s duo Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen posted .873 combined. Now? Vast improvement at just $6.75 million cap hit—10th-lowest leaguewide.

Wedgewood explained: “We’ve both proven… we’re very good goalies on different teams… Now you’re seeing us play behind good teams and us having confidence.”[1]

With $5 million cap space at the deadline, MacFarland holds flexibility.[3]

Veteran leadership and coaching evolution

As the NHL’s fifth-oldest team, Colorado leverages experience. Landeskog’s return adds captaincy gravitas, calming the room alongside alternates MacKinnon, Makar, Toews, Burns, Nelson, and Manson.

Coach Jared Bednar, nearing a decade, trusts his mature group. Practices yield to video sessions and optionals, managing load effectively.

Bednar reflected: “It’s a mature group and the relationship… has developed over time… We have a lot of optionals and guys get on the ice.”

This approach counters West rivals like Edmonton, Dallas, Vegas, and surging Minnesota.

Makar noted home momentum: “When the goals start coming, we keep the heat going… You get that high and then score another one.”[1]

Nelson’s versatility aids: “Impact in all three areas… support role for Nate, Cale, Marty, Val, Gabe.”

The Avalanche’s formula—depth, goaltending, leadership—positions them for sustained excellence. While records tempt hyperbole, their balance suggests playoff prowess beyond 2022-23 Bruins. As the season unfolds, Colorado remains the team to beat, with cap room to fortify further. Check current standings to track their march.