Colorado Avalanche fans are smiling as their team looks to extend its hot run with a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, with streaks and Central Division storylines in focus. The Avs have built momentum with a five-game winning streak after a strong road stretch and defensive work that's kept opponents off balance.
Avalanche target winning streak extension against the Golden Knights on Saturday.
Ryan O'Hara from The Hockey News writes that their road matchup in Vegas is a chance to add another mark in the win column before the league pauses for the Olympic break.
In recent games, Nathan MacKinnon and company have been finding the back of the net and controlling play through strong entries and cycles. Their special teams have found traction, with timely power-play goals and a penalty kill that makes opponents grind for chances.
The Avalanche closed a tight game against the Winnipeg Jets last week, with Brent Burns, Martin Necas and Parker Kelly scoring while goaltender Scott Wedgewood delivered a strong performance to hold the 3-2 lead.
That gritty win, combined with the bigger victory at Minnesota, shows Colorado can handle different types of games.
Vegas enters this game with some recent struggles of their own, including a close loss to the Edmonton Oilers where the Knights surrendered early goals and couldn't complete a comeback.
The Golden Knights have talented forwards like Mitch Marner, but inconsistent scoring and defensive lapses have surfaced at inopportune times.
Colorado's history with Vegas includes a win earlier this season behind a balanced attack and disciplined play, setting up this second meeting with some confidence.
Head-to-head stats show the rivalry has been competitive over time, with both clubs trading victories.
This matchup will be a good test of Colorado's ability to carry its steam into tougher divisional games, and a win in Vegas could be another feather in their belt as the NHL season reaches the holiday stretch.