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Avalanche Journal: Power ranking Colorado’s possible first-round playoff opponents

After the Avalanche’s 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, coach Jared Bednar acknowledged that winning the division has its perks. Colorado’s goal, at one point merely to survive its injuries and make the playoffs, is now to earn a more ambitious first-place finish.

The eight playoff teams in the West are all but decided, barring any late drama involving Nashville or Calgary. The remaining games are all about the bracket puzzle. We ranked the Avalanche’s seven playoff challengers in order from easiest hypothetical first-round matchup (7) to hardest (1).

7. Winnipeg Jets: The Central will have trouble catching Vegas, but this is the incentive to win the conference.