COLORADO HOCKEY DAILY | NHL TEAM | COLORADO AVALANCHE

Avalanche insider issues bold statement on the NHL's Central Division

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Theodore Mosby
December 23, 2025 (7:55)

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Colorado Avalanche lead the Central Division with a league-best record, dominating the so-called "Death Valley" division as Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar drive one of the NHL's most complete teams this season. The Avs sit at 25-2-7 with 57 points, the top mark in the NHL, and they've done it with speed, offense, and a stingy defense that few teams have solved.

Colorado's climb to the top hasn't been quiet or accidental, it's methodical and often overwhelming. On Sunday the Avalanche beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 for their 12th straight home win, leaning on balanced scoring, timely saves from Scott Wedgewood, and a defense that clamps down deep in their zone. Wedgewood's 20 saves in that game were a reminder that while the offense gets headlines, Colorado's last line is a big part of this run.

MacKinnon keeps Avs atop the "Death Valley" division.

Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that Nathan MacKinnon continues to pace the Avalanche in every major offensive category, leading the club in goals (28), assists (31), and points (59). His chemistry with the top six makes Colorado's attack difficult to slow, and his relentless tempo forces opponents into mistakes up ice.

The Central Division has been relentless, featuring tough rivals like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, both within striking distance and pushing every night. That trio of contenders is why insiders have dubbed this group «Death Valley,» a battle where every point feels earned and every night tests a team's mettle.

Colorado's record against Central foes shows both resilience and consistency, going unbeaten in regulation in all but a few divisional tilts this season. The Avs' patience with puck movement, controlled entries, and ability to sustain pressure in the offensive zone separates them from teams that rely on burst scoring chances alone.

Every division game feels like a playoff round in Central play, and Colorado has adapted with poise; opponents can't just outskate them, they have to outwork them. On nights when the power play falters, the penalty kill tightens, and the top line finds offense in the seams. That blend of systems hockey and star talent makes them the team to beat.

This run hasn't been without question marks, the special teams have wavered at times, and fatigue on the back end has crept in during tight stretches. Still, the Avs' discipline in the neutral zone and willingness to chip pucks off the boards to reset has kept them controlling possession at key moments.

Looking ahead, Colorado still faces several Central Division tallies and must keep peaking through January but they have built a cushion few challengers can touch. Fans in Denver are buzzing because this feels like more than a hot streak, it feels like one of the best Avalanche teams in recent memory-balanced, deep, and electric.

The mentality in the locker room reflects that confidence; this team believes it can handle the gauntlet that is Central play and head into the playoffs with momentum and swagger. Whether that translates to deep postseason success will be the next story to write.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

Minnesota Wild head coach sounds off after embarrassing loss to Avalanche on Sunday

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar just revealed what his team is lacking right now

Insider claims this Avalanche defenseman has completely rewritten his career

POLL
DECEMBRE 23 \| 52 ANSWERS Avalanche insider issues bold statement on the NHL's Central Division Will the Colorado Avalanche maintain the Central lead for the entire regular season?
Yes	50	96.2 %
No	2	3.8 %
List of polls

Avalanche insider issues bold statement on the NHL's Central Division

MacKinnon keeps Avs atop the "Death Valley" division.

Will the Colorado Avalanche maintain the Central lead for the entire regular season?