New report raises a serious question about the Avalanche that has every other NHL team scratching their heads

Their pace jumps off every shift, and the numbers back it up as they lead the NHL in speed bursts above 18 miles per hour while sitting second in bursts above 22 miles per hour. That blend of talent and intent shows why they've controlled almost every game they've played this season.

Alex Chauvancy from The Hockey Writers reports that Jared Bednar leans into this identity because he knows his roster can sustain it, and opponents rarely stay comfortable against the Avalanche transition game. Defenders struggle to handle their constant motion, especially when MacKinnon drives the middle with support layers behind him.

The ripple effect appears in the underlying results since Colorado owns a 58.1 percent expected goals share at five on five, which is currently the best mark in the NHL. Their forecheck forces hurried exits, and their quick regrouping creates repeat looks in the slot that eventually crack coverage.

Offensively, no team produces more sustained pressure, yet the defensive side deserves more credit because their backtracking speed erases mistakes before they become problems. The only place that has lagged slightly is the power play, though their talent usually trends upward as the season settles.

Fans sense the difference because Colorado looks faster than everyone else, and that feeling rarely fades once the puck drops. I hear it every night in the building when rush after rush forces defenders to retreat early.

Skeptics often wonder if this style translates to playoff wins, a fair question given how tight postseason space becomes. The Avalanche already answered it by winning the 2022 Stanley Cup with the exact same identity, and their core remains in its prime.

History reminds us that there is no single recipe for a championship since Pittsburgh and Chicago thrived with skill while Vegas and Florida leaned on heavier builds. Colorado simply chose its own lane, and the early signs suggest it can carry them deep again.

If their pace holds and their power play sharpens, the Avalanche could craft something special as June approaches, and their speed will continue to lead the way.