On a 7-3 run, including six straight victories, Colorado is currently in first place in the Northwest Division, 3rd in Western Conference, and 7th in the entire NHL, with 66 points based on their 30-15-6 record. Two reasons for the Avalanche’s success so far are center Paul Stastny and leftwing Wojtek Wolski; Stastny (9 goals) leads the team with 48 points and 37 assists, while Wolski (16 goals, 29 assists) is next in line with 45 points.

Besides the two top point-getters, it is rightwing Chris Stewart who is the third leading scorer with 35 points, but leads the Avs with 17 goals, followed by center Matt Duchene with 34 points on 16 goals and 18 assists, and rightwing Milan Hejduk with 15 goals and assists for 30 points.

It is Colorado’s defense and goaltending which really need to keep up their solid play if the team wishes to remain on track to get back to their Stanley Cup-caliber glory days. It is time for this team’s youth movement, surrounding the offensive foundation of Duchene and Statsny with young defensemen and other up-and-comers, to step up their games at both ends of the ice if Colorado is to be a solid threat come March playoff time.

Although goaltender Peter Budaj was expected to head up the net-minding duties, it has been offseason pickup Craig Anderson (26-11-5, 2.46 GAA, .923 save %) who has seen action in 43 games so far this season. Although his win total ties him for 6th and his save percentage ranks him 8th in the NHL, that may be due more to the offensive and defensive support that Anderson is getting rather than his personal performances. If he wishes to lead the Avalanche to the next level, Anderson will need to improve his middle-of-the-pack ranked goals against average (14th in NHL).

As of late, this team seems to have found the right mix to be a contender for a playoff spot in March. As long as the youngsters continue to mesh with the rest of the team, Colorado may make some noise for the rest of the season and in the playoffs. To be there as this team continues performing to its potential, get your tickets now so you don’t miss a thing over the second half of the season.