Avalanche Surge to Top of NHL Power Rankings
The Colorado Avalanche have surged to the top of the NHL power rankings after an impressive 4-0-1 start to the season. The Avs have picked up 9 points, the most in the Western Conference, and trail only the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes in the league-wide rankings.
Key to the Avalanche's hot start has been their balanced scoring attack. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabriel Landeskog, and Valeri Nichushkin have all contributed offensively, while the team's depth players have also chipped in. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is nearing a return from a conditioning stint in the AHL, providing further stability between the pipes.
Blackwood's Status Uncertain After Conditioning Assignment
Blackwood was assigned to the Colorado Eagles on a conditioning loan to get some extra practice time while the Avalanche were on a recent road trip. However, the Avalanche announced on Friday that they have terminated Blackwood's contract with the Eagles, though his status for the Avalanche's upcoming games remains unclear.
The Avalanche have been able to weather Blackwood's absence so far, with Scott Wedgewood and others stepping up in net. But his eventual return will provide a boost as the team looks to maintain their strong start and challenge for the top spot in the Western Conference.
TL;DR
- The Colorado Avalanche are off to a 4-0-1 start, the best in the Western Conference
- The Avs have surged to the top of the latest NHL power rankings, trailing only the Bruins and Hurricanes
- Balanced scoring from stars like MacKinnon, Makar, and Nichushkin has fueled the hot start
- Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood's status is uncertain after a recent conditioning stint in the AHL