After an uncharacteristic rough patch, it looks like the Colorado Avalanche may have found their groove again. Though it took late heroics to get the job done, they beat the Los Angeles Kings on the road 4-2, next heading to Anaheim to take on a Ducks team that had won its previous five games.
The Avalanche took control from the start and never looked back, winning 5-1. In what is shaping up to be an important week, the Avalanche picked up a big win and are back on the winning track again as the stretch run begins.
Stick Taps to Parker Kelly
Let’s take a moment to talk about what an underrated signing Parker Kelly has been for the Avalanche. Signed as a free agent in 2024, he has quietly become a key contributor for the bottom six of this team.
He is also having his best offensive season ever across the board. He’s just one assist away from matching his career-high from a season ago but has already set new benchmarks in goals (15) and points (25) while averaging just 12:40 per night in ice time.
Kelly scored twice against Anaheim, a key part of burying any potential rally by the Ducks. Kelly plays with speed and tenacity that pay off when playing with a group of this caliber. He is the kind of role player that will be invaluable in the playoffs.
The Strongest Overall Effort in a While
The thing that concerned fans of the Avalanche most is that the Avalanche haven’t looked strong in quite a while. They’ve still picked up wins because that’s what good teams do, but it has been a lot closer than they were making games look in the first few months of the season.
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This was easily their best effort in the post-Olympic stretch. They played with energy and skill that only a few teams can come close to matching. They even have the power play somewhat clicking, having scored with a man up for the second game in a row.
Good teams find ways to win no matter what, but there is just something about watching this Avalanche team when it is dominating that feels truly special. If they can get back to stomping on teams down the stretch, the Western Conference had better be very afraid.
Supporting Cast Heating Up
Kelly was a huge contributor in this one, but the rest of the supporting cast has been coming on of late. Gabriel Landeskog scored again, giving him eight points in his last 10 games. Jack Drury had assists on both of Kelly’s goals.
When the Avalanche are really clicking, it is just as important for the depth players to get involved as it is for a Nathan MacKinnon or Cale Makar. They are the superstars that drive the team, but it is that depth that will wind up winning playoff games.
The Biggest Two Game Stretch of the Season
The next two games against the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild will be critical. The Stars are six points back but are red-hot, having won their last 10 games. The Wild have won seven in the same stretch and rumors have them making a big splash at the deadline.
The Avalanche may have reinforcements going into those games but they need to walk away with at least one win or risk getting caught for the Central Division lead as the playoffs approach.
