NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

15. Colorado Avalanche (+3)

The Colorado Avalanche are one of the most surprising teams in the league. After a terrible season last year and a slow start this year the Avalanche were believed to be a team fighting for the best draft lottery position. Instead, they traded away one of their stars in Matt Duchene and were able to pivot and have a great season. Lead by Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche stormed up the standings and into the playoffs. The Western Conference is anything but settled, but if the season ended today the Avalanche would be in the playoffs and open against the Vegas Golden Knights.

A playoff berth would cap off a great season for the Colorado Avalanche. They impressed many with their strong second-half run. The playoffs won’t be easy with the crowded Western Conference, but Colorado has a good chance to make something happen. They are just one point out of a wild-card spot with five games to play. They have managed three wins in their last six games beating the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks and Vegas Golden Knights. They have huge games to close out the season first they host the Chicago Blackhawks at home. Then they head West to face the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks all teams they are fighting with for the playoffs. To end the season, they host the St. Louis Blues in a game that likely will determine their playoff fate.