At the end of the 2016-17 season, the Colorado Avalanche finished dead last in a 30-team league, with a record of 22-56-4 and a total of 48 points.
The next season, Colorado made it back to the postseason. Though it was fruitless with a first-round bounce, it ended a three-year postseason drought.
Tonight, on April 3rd, 2025, the Avalanche secured a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the eighth consecutive season with a 7-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Built for this. #GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/54zZ1dAMZJ
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 4, 2025
It was reported this morning by NHL.com that the Avalanche had an opportunity to secure their spot in this year's postseason run with any of the following scenarios:
If they defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets in any fashion
OR
If they get one point vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets AND the Calgary Flames lose to the Anaheim Ducks in any fashion
OR
If the Calgary Flames lose to the Anaheim Ducks in regulation.
As of 8:45 pm Mountain Time, the Flames/Ducks game is tied at 1-1 in the second period. Not that it matters, as the Avalanche were able to check off scenario number 1.
The New Guys Showed UP
Long-awaited, forward Charlie Coyle netted his first goal in burgundy and blue to tie things up with the Blue Jackets.
Charlie Coyle!
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 4, 2025
We love to CC it.#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/CNpbyFW5Q4
This goal would be just one of three points on the night for the third-line center. The other two points came as assists on goals scored by Cale Makar and Miles Wood. He joins Makar and his defensive partner, Devon Toews, who also had three points apiece in tonight's win.
Brock Nelson, who slotted into Colorado's second-line center spot upon being traded, also notched a goal in tonight's win. This goal is his 10th point and 4th goal since being traded.
Every single center chipped in tonight. While it wasn't a goal, Jack Drury did provide the lone helper on Parker Kelly's game-winning goal in the second period. Since joining the Avalanche, Jack Drury has provided some much-needed depth to this team, providing not only vital help on the penalty kill, but crucial skill in the faceoff dot.
A Monumental Night for the Norris Trophy Favorite
Makar, as mentioned recorded a three-point night (1g/2a) in Colorado's win over Columbus. His goal, Colorado's fifth of the night, acted as his 30th of the season, making him the first defenseman in 16 years to achieve 30 goals in a season. He becomes the ninth defenseman to achieve a 30-goal season, joining the likes of Bobby Orr (5x), Paul Coffey (4x), Denis Potvin (3x), Doug Wilson, Phil Housley, Ray Bourque, Kevin Hatcher, and Mike Green, who was the last defenseman to notch the milestone in the 2008-09 season.
30 goals from a defenseman is absurd 😱 https://t.co/gWpORv6IYYpic.twitter.com/Li5RWUaDfL
— NHL (@NHL) April 4, 2025
With a primary assist on Toews' third-period goal, Makar also hit the 60-assist mark on the season. He becomes the first defenseman in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history and the 20th defenseman in NHL history to record the milestone in multiple seasons. He is the fifth player, following Joe Sakic (7), Peter Stastny (7), Peter Forsberg (5), and Nathan MacKinnon, in franchise history to record multiple 60-assist seasons.
Makar's 90 points, reached tonight, ties his career high in points, set last year (2023-24) with 21g/91a in 77 games played.
What's Next?
The Colorado Avalanche only have five games remaining in their regular season campaign.
- AWAY: Saturday vs. St. Louis Blues @ 5:00 PM Mountain time
- HOME: Tuesday vs. Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:30 PM Mountain time
- HOME: Thursday vs. Vancouver Canucks @ 7:00 PM Mountain time
- AWAY: Saturday vs. Los Angeles Kings @ 2:00 PM Mountain time
- AWAY: Sunday vs. Anaheim Ducks @ 8:00 PM Mountain time
This Saturday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues will be Colorado's third game in four days before they return to Denver for their final two matchups at home until the postseason begins.