Kiz: After the victory parade ended and the Avs took the Stanley Cup on a world tour, very little went according to plan for the defending champs. This whole season has felt wonky, off-kilter and a little cursed. But well, well, well. Look at the Avs now, with a real chance to steal first place in the Central Division as the regular season comes down the stretch. Who is the team’s most valuable player during a challenging year?
Durando: Say what you want about the inconsistencies that have made this season feel blemished, but there’s one constant that still separates the Avalanche: Their three best players are better than your team’s three best players.