Colorado Avalanche Clinch Presidents' Trophy, Ready for Playoff Run

0:00On April 21st, the Colorado Avalanche just clinched the president's trophy, topping the league in both goals scored and goals allowed, a feat, no. Winners pulled off since the 2011 Vancouver Canucks. Their prime to shatter that curse were regular season champs flop in playoffs, boasting deeper talent than their 2022 Stanley Cup, squad that stormed through in just 20 games. GM Chris McFarlane flipped the script with smart deadline deals, reuniting with Nasem Codry for middle six punch alongside Brock Nelson, Nathan, McKinnon, and Ross Colton, one of the league's deepest center groups. They swapped goalies for McKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgwood, who nabbed the William M. Jennings Award for Stingiest Defense. Fans are buzzing because nine players from that cup team stick around, but new bloodly Parker Kelly, who's dropped a career high 35 points. Since January 1st, and defenseman Sam Milinsky, with his 40 points and plus 43 rating, elevate the whole roster.

1:01This group's tougher defensively too, owning the NHL's top penalty kill despite a middling power play that spiked after Codry's return. playoffs opened strong with the 2-1 game 1 over the Los Angeles Kings, out shooting them 32 to 25. The Kings ranked fourth worst in scoring and third worst on the penalty kill. Nick match up for Colorado to build momentum, heading into a potential. Second round clash with Dallas or Minnesota, teams they split evenly this year. If the abs punched through those early hurdles, the runway clears for a cup repeat run. Their blend of stars, death, and coach Jared Bednar's know how. Makes them the team to beat, come June. You've been listening to NHL News today, AI-powered team coverage.