Avalanche insider sparks NHL firestorm by calling out 3 teams in stunning new report

Graham Tiedkte from Mile High Sticking writes that Colorado's Nov. 8 win over the Edmonton Oilers jumps off the page, a night Makar scored twice before depth scoring from Gavin Brindley, Jack Drury and Parker Kelly piled on. MacKinnon added two more in the third, the Avs dominating from start to finish with speed and puck retrieval that left Edmonton scrambling. That night showed how balanced scoring and Makar's daring rushes can overwhelm even strong goaltending.

Then there's the Nov. 27 clash against the Montreal Canadiens at Ball Arena in Nordiques throwback sweaters. Brock Nelson hit a milestone with his 600th career point while the Avalanche played with rhythm, Burns firing a shot that surprised the defence and Martin Nečas finding Nelson for a wide-open goal. MacKinnon's rebound finish and a gorgeous tic-tac-toe play between Necas and Devon Toews made this a delight to rewatch.

Colorado's Dec. 11 game versus the Florida Panthers was another slick show of depth and poise. Sam Malinski scored while showing how young Avs can steal a moment, Nelson added his second of the night, and MacKinnon chipped in with his own finish. The final 6-2 score was less about margin and more about sustained pressure, quick puck movement and defensive structure that kept Florida on its heels.

The Avs best games this season have featured that mix of elite talent and role-player puck hunger, and with the holiday break here Avs fans have plenty to scroll through.

Watching these games again also highlights just how fun the Avalanche can be when their cycle clicks and they manage quick entries off the forecheck. Nelson's polish and Burns' heavy shot add edge, and the way Colorado transitions the puck makes replays feel fresh even a few weeks later.

There's a reason these highlight nights are perfect for a slow evening with holiday lights on, because they remind us how deep this team is and how many moments are still to come. Reflecting on these wins gives context to the current standings and keeps fans excited for the playoff push.