We are doing two weeks of showcasing rivals, and instead of looking at existing division rivals, we are going to look a few seasons into the future as the Arizona Coyotes prepare to join the Central Division. Today we look at the Colorado Avalanche.
Reason for the rivalry: Teams on the way up.
After a lengthy rebuild, the Coyotes seemed poised to make it to the playoffs for the first time since their run to the Western Conference Finals. The Avalanche on the other hand could better be described as a retooling, and after three years of missing the playoffs, they are looking for their third straight postseason appearance.