Colorado Avalanche await their wild card opponent as the Western Conference playoff race heats up. With the Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets in contention, which matchup would give Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar the smoothest path forward—or present a surprising first-round hurdle?
Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson break down the strengths and weaknesses of each wild card contender, from the Kings’ overtime struggles to the Sharks’ high-scoring youth. The hosts dissect Colorado’s favorable records against potential rivals, analyze key playoff metrics like regulation wins, and debate which team poses the toughest challenge—will Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets’ defensive grit disrupt the Avs’ Stanley Cup quest?
Plus, discussion turns to Gabriel Landeskog’s Bill Masterton Award nomination and what it means for the Avalanche captain’s inspiring comeback. Don’t miss the pulse on the Avs’ playoff outlook and postseason preferences.
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12 Comments
The only team i dont want to face is the jets, a hot connor hellebuyck can steal games, all the other teams, sweep
I'd pick Landy because not only did he come back from that injury, but he came back and exceeded expectations.
As I think most people thought he'd occupy a 3rd line role while playing 2nd line minutes "on a good day" while also missing some time because of that knee if it ever flared up. But in actuality he went back to playing solid 2nd and 1st line minutes and has been a solid producer. and if not for that rib injury he plays almost all 82 games. And given the intangibles he provides to this team on and off the ice. Why shouldn't he win imo.
Definitely don't want jets or preds , but kings or sharks will be quick and easy
The kings have 32 wins? 19 otl not wins
Best series to watch would be Sharks hands down
I think Benn is in there because he had a collapsed lung. But you are right, he doesn’t deserve to be on there, he’s just a nasty player and one of the worst players in the league.
Dont want Nashville or Winnipeg. Just don't match well with those teams.
I'd be worried most about Winnipeg. Sure, Hellebyuck is crazy good, but people seem to fail to appreciate just how oppressive the Winnipeg defensive play is. They just pin you to the wall and never give any space to work with, which is the rock to the Avalanche's scissors.
Where is this irrational fear of the preds coming from in this comment section 😭 they are easily the worst team out of the jets kings and sharks
The Kracken have shell shocked me out of picking a team that I think that Avs will beat. I will say the sharks series would be exciting, but probably the most scary for me. The 2 I dont want to see are the Kings (boring and they do not deserve a playoof spot) and the Jets (always play the Avs tough. The one I want the most is the most unlikely to happen…the mammoth
How come you didn’t read the teams official statements for why certain players deserve the bill Masterson?
some of the Masterson nominees, I wonder why. maybe because there has to be someone from each team. I understand Landeskog not winning last year, because his return was so soon and the outcome wasn't yet known. now we know, not only did he return, but he's successful.