The Avalanche’s puck movement towards the net is a key to their success 

The Colorado Avalanche are the class of the NHL with a 21-2-7 record that has them one point away from 50 while only one other team has eclipsed 40.

Nathan MacKinnon is laying the groundwork for a rock-solid Hart Trophy case, as he has 24 goals and 27 assists for a 51-point mark that has him seven clear of Connor McDavid in second place.

Colorado leads the NHL with 118 goals scored, and while MacKinnon is running away with the scoring lead, significant contributions are coming from all up and down the lineup.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton were joined by former NHL video coach Steve Peters to discuss Colorado’s unique aggression and skill set that allows them to be so dynamic offensively.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I want to start with Colorado. They’re so damn good, but it’s too easy to just say it’s Nate and it’s Makar and it’s their superstars that push them. What else makes this Avs team so damn good?

Carter Hutton: It is more than their top stars. However, their top stars are their top players right now… Colorado is doing everything right right now… When you go to the film on what they do well, it’s all of the little things. Look at the movement that this team has in their offensive zone and their ability to get to the net… This is what’s driven their offense. It’s not just their third and fourth line guys that get to the net, it’s their top line. And you look at every guy on that top line, Necas, Lehkonen and MacKinnon, this is the top line in hockey right now; 5-on-5 goals scored they’re number one. Why? Because they find open areas in the slot, but secondarily, they get there.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…