The Colorado Avalanche have once again emerged as one of the NHL’s elite squads during the 2024-2025 season, currently holding a 42-25-5 record and competing at the top of the Central Division. Their dominance has been especially evident on home ice at Ball Arena, where they’ve posted one of the league’s best home records and continue to impose their style of play on visiting teams. A major factor in their success is superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon, who is in the midst of a career-best season, leading the entire NHL in points with 108, including 42 goals and 66 assists. MacKinnon has been an unstoppable force, particularly at home, where he has recorded at least one point in 23 consecutive games, making him the centerpiece of Colorado’s attack and a consistent game-changer. Supporting him is the dynamic Cale Makar, one of the league’s most gifted defensemen, who continues to generate offense from the back end with 72 points, including 15 goals and 57 assists. Makar’s skating, playmaking, and defensive coverage make him a two-way asset that few teams in the NHL can match. Another standout is winger Mikko Rantanen, who has added 87 points of his own, giving the Avalanche one of the most dangerous top lines in hockey. The Avalanche’s goaltending, initially a concern earlier in the season, has become a position of strength with the resurgence of Alexandar Georgiev and the impactful addition of Mackenzie Blackwood. Blackwood has found a second wind in Colorado after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks, registering a 2.23 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage since joining the team.

He most recently turned aside all 22 shots faced in a 4-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Kings, marking his fourth shutout of the season. Georgiev, meanwhile, continues to provide solid backup play, giving Colorado depth and flexibility in net that is crucial for a deep playoff run. The Avalanche defensive core, including Devon Toews and Samuel Girard alongside Makar, is adept at suppressing high-danger scoring chances, while also contributing offensively. Their transition game is among the best in the league, often catching opponents flat-footed and creating quick-strike opportunities. Special teams have also played a key role in Colorado’s consistency. The Avalanche possess a lethal power play that converts on over 26% of its opportunities, good for top five in the league. Their penalty kill, while not elite, has tightened up over recent weeks and currently hovers around 81%, allowing them to manage games effectively even when down a man. The coaching of Jared Bednar continues to be a major asset, as he’s found ways to adapt the team’s style to maximize puck possession, defensive zone structure, and offensive creativity. Heading into their matchup against the St. Louis Blues, the Avalanche are riding a wave of momentum, having won four straight and 12 of their last 14 games. With playoff positioning on the line and a red-hot opponent visiting, Colorado will aim to continue its home dominance by leveraging its high-powered offense, elite blue line, and revitalized goaltending. If they execute their typical game plan, the Avalanche will be in strong position to extend their winning streak and affirm their status as a Stanley Cup contender.