The Avalanche’s season ended Sunday night after the team lost 5-0 to Nashville. But. What. A. Season. Just a year removed from posting a piddly 48 points and living in the NHL’s basement, Colorado stormed back, punched a ticket to the playoffs and then pushed the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed to a Game 6.
Although their Pepsi Center roommates, the Nuggets, missed the playoffs by just one game for the second consecutive year, Denver won 46 games — a six-win improvement over the previous year, which would have landed it the No. 6 seed if it was in the East.
Both teams are on the rise and share some parallels. Both are among the youngest teams in their respective leagues. Both their superstars were born in 1995 (Nathan MacKinnon and Nikola Jokic). Both have young, talented cores that as long as they stay healthy — knock on wood — could substantially improve next season.
With success comes greater expectations. The 2018-19 season is playoffs or bust for the Nuggets. Another trip to the draft lottery could spell the end for the Michael Malone era. As for the Avs, it’s building upon their first postseason trip since 2014. After the game, MacKinnon said: “We have a lot of good young players, just like (the Predators) did three years ago. And look where they are now, with the Presidents’ Trophy.”
— , The Denver Post
Want to receive this daily newsletter in your inbox?
What’s on tap?
- MLB: Padres at Rockies, 6:40 p.m., ATTRM | Pitching matchup |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Cubs 9, Rockies 7
Full story |
NHL: Predators 5, Avalanche 0
Full story |
Must-Read
Return of the back: Will Broncos revive run game with first-round pick?
Denver needs a top-flight back. There is just such a back in this year’s draft, Penn State’s SaQuon Barkley, whom Denver might be able to get at No. 5. Read more…
Kiszla: Only good thing about Avs’ loss to Nashville? What Preds coach Peter Laviolette told Nathan MacKinnon in handshake line.
Predators coach Peter Laviolette stood on the ice, refusing to leave for the dressing room, until he stood face-to-face with Nathan MacKinnon, and heaped praise on a superstar on the rise. Read more…
German Marquez’s short start vs. Cubs is prime example of whatap hurting Rockies
The Broncos’ general manager even acknowledged his own use of the cliché that he will choose the best player available that fits his team, regardless of position, with each pick. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Denver Nuggets’ postseason superlatives include best game, biggest disappointment and MVP.
+ Reliance on top line dooms Colorado Avalanche in Stanley Cup Playoffs.
+ Rockies moves: CarGo to DL; Gerardo Parra begins suspension; David Dahl and Noel Cuevas called up.
+ From Montana and India, they became friends and training partners in Denver. On Sunday, they went 1-2 in Cherry Creek Sneak 10-miler.
+ Running for friendship, to escape isolation or to explore freedom: Blind runners form tight community in Denver.
+ Kiszla: Unless itap Sam Darnold, is any quarterback in this draft good enough for the Broncos’ John Elway?
+ Ian Desmond’s “feel” at the plate is the key for Rockies’ $70 million man to reassume his all-star identity.
By The Numbers
97
The total number of points Nathan MacKinnon had in the 2017-18 regular season, the most by an Avs player since Joe Sakic totaled 100 in 2007.
Parting Shot
AT&T Park, Fenway Park and Wrigley Field top list of Rockies’ favorite ballparks
Asked what ballparks he likes best, Charlie Blackmon deadpanned: “Ballparks where I can hit home runs easier. Thatap it. Thatap all I want to do, is hit home runs.” Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
