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Avalanche's win over the Wild sparks 3 burning questions fans can't ignore

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Marshall Stinson
December 23, 2025 (11:06)

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It was another entertaining Central Division clash, as the Colorado Avalanche rolled past the Minnesota Wild 5-1 behind dominant performances from Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon.

The win showed that the Avalanche remain far superior to the Wild, even with the Quinn Hughes acquisition.

The Wild remain far behind the Avalanche after their latest matchup.

Ryan Womeldorf of The Hockey Writers reported on the game and highlighted a few key takeaways from an impressive performance by the league's best team. First, the scoring race has turned into a two-horse battle, as Connor McDavid has surged over the past ten games to narrowly pass Nathan MacKinnon.

"Nathan MacKinnon has been a man possessed this season as he pursues his first scoring title. For most of the season, he has led the race but Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has been playing at a video game pace in his last 10 games, finally taking the lead over MacKinnon. Both are insanely talented and as competitive as it gets. Watching them go toe-to-toe for the scoring title this season will likely be one of the most fun storylines we get this season. Strap in and enjoy the ride." -Womeldorf

Another key takeaway is just how fast the Avalanche are, no team looks capable of keeping pace all season long. What happens in the playoffs is still uncertain, as physicality can always counter speed.

But in regular-season hockey, the Avalanche are untouchable. Leading the way is Cale Makar, who made it clear that Quinn Hughes, and really, no one else, is on his level, putting him firmly in the MVP conversation.

"Makar plays in every situation and eats more ice than just about everyone in the league aside from a handful of big-time defensemen like the aforementioned Hughes. The fact that he's able to produce offensively at the rate he is while killing penalties and posting an incredible +32 says everything you need to know about his game. It is going to be tough to crack the top three the way MacKinnon and McDavid are playing. Macklin Celebrini is doing something that few teenagers have managed to do in the history of the NHL. All that said, Makar deserves to be in the conversation at this stage." -Womeldorf

The Avalanche keep rolling, but the Dallas Stars aren't far behind, just four points back, though Colorado holds two games in hand.

The Central Division continues to deliver fireworks all season long.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

NHL analyst confirms Avalanche trade coming to strengthen key area

New report raises eyebrows around Avalanche star forward Valeri Nichushkin

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

POLL
DECEMBRE 23 \| 56 ANSWERS Avalanche's win over the Wild sparks 3 burning questions fans can't ignore Are the Colorado Avalanche significantly better than the Minnesota Wild?
Yes	54	96.4 %
No	2	3.6 %
List of polls

Avalanche's win over the Wild sparks 3 burning questions fans can't ignore

It was another entertaining Central Division clash, as the Colorado Avalanche rolled past the Minnesota Wild 5-1 behind dominant performances from Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon.

The Wild remain far behind the Avalanche after their latest matchup.

Are the Colorado Avalanche significantly better than the Minnesota Wild?