The long-awaited return of NHL hockey following the All-Star break is almost here, and if you ask the oddsmakers at Las Vegas sportsbook Bovada, only two teams have a better chance to hoist the Stanley Cup than the Colorado Avalanche.
Here are Bovada’s updated frontrunners to win it all with 32 regular-season games left this season (sidenote: sports betting becomes legal in Colorado starting on May 1).
- Tampa Bay Lightning: +800
- Washington Capitals: +800
- Colorado Avalanche: +900
- Pittsburgh Penguins: +900
- Boston Bruins: +1000
- St. Louis Blues: +1000
The Avalanche (28-15-6) are currently second in the Central Division standings with 62 points behind the Blues (70). Colorado broke out of an early January losing spell to win their last three games, and the Avs return to action Saturday at the Philadelphia Flyers to begin a five-game road trip.
But can we just fast forward to the playoffs already? Colorado is a legitimate Cup contender looking to bring it home for the first time since 2001. Winning the division and securing home-ice advantage in the postseason will be critical. Now, it’s time to find out if this Avs team is for real.
—, The Denver Post
What’s on tap?
- At Philadelphia Flyers, 5 p.m. Saturday, ALT
Must-Read
Chambers: Why Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon is the mid-season NHL MVP
Nathan MacKinnon is on pace to win the Hart Trophy for the very reason he finished second in the NHL MVP voting in 2018. Read more…
Avs podcast: Former Colorado center John Mitchell, making a deal for Henrik Lundqvist and more
Denver Post hockey writer Mike Chambers sat down with former Avalanche center John Mitchell and some of Chambers’ long-time hockey buddies after a recent beer-league skate in the latest episode of Traffic In Front of The Net. Listen here…
Keeler: Don’t look now Connor McDavid, but Avs star Nathan MacKinnon is gaining on you
“I’m a disher. I’m a passer,” the Colorado Avalanche All-Star told The Denver Post. “I’ll get 70 assists but not 50 goals.” Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Avs Mailbag: Why did Cale Makar receive an All-Star Game snub?
+ Kiszla: Cale Makar is only 21 years old. But are we watching emergence of best defenseman in Avalanche history?
+ Kiszla vs. Chambers: How much is Avalanche’s home ice hurt by transplants rooting for visiting teams?
+ NHL teams realize backup goaltender is important position
+ Former Avs star Chris Drury returns as GM of USA world’s team
+ Shots from stands, women’s 3-on-3 highlight NHL skills event
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
By The Numbers
5
Analysis: Five key questions for Avalanche going into stretch run
Here are five key questions heading into the second half, when Colorado comes out of its 11-day break between games at Philadelphia. Read more…
Parting Shot
Colorado Avalanche unveils NHL Stadium Series jerseys
POLL: What do you think of the Avs’ NHL Stadium Series jerseys? Vote here…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me
