Colorado Avalanche’s 19-1-6 start and +53 goal differential make them early Stanley Cup favorites; bettors should expect heavy Avalanche moneylines and shorter futures — consider value on player props (MacKinnon goals, Makar points) or Avs-over totals in goal markets, but factor regression risk and avoid overpaying on longshot single-game favorites.
Colorado Avalanche surge to 19-1-6, stamping themselves as early favorites
The Avalanche improved to 19-1-6 after a 3-1 win over Vancouver, continuing a season of blowout results that included a 7-2 victory over Montreal and a 9-1 rout of Edmonton. After 26 games Colorado sits on 44 points and is on pace for an extraordinary 60-win, 139-point campaign, a start that ranks among the most dominant in modern NHL history.
Historic context: Where this start ranks
Colorado’s start places them alongside legendary teams — the 2002 Red Wings, the 2013 Blackhawks, the 1984 Oilers and the 1944 Canadiens — as one of the few clubs to amass so many points so early. They’re only the second NHL team to begin a season with just one regulation loss through this many games, a mark that echoes the 1979-80 Flyers’ 18-1-7 start.
Two-way dominance: offense, defense and goal differential
Through 26 games the Avs have scored 106 goals and allowed 53, a +53 goal differential that ranks among the best ever at this point of a season. Colorado averages 4.08 goals per game while surrendering just 2.04, leading the league decisively in both categories — a rare combination not seen in a full season since the 1970s dynasty Canadiens.
Key contributors: MacKinnon, Makar and supporting cast
Nathan MacKinnon is pacing for roughly 69 goals and 145 points, while Cale Makar is on a defenseman-elite 101-point pace. Those two are driving the offense and power play production. Additions like Brock Nelson and strong goaltending from Scott Wedgewood have bolstered depth and defensive stability, helping Colorado pick up a point in 25 of 26 games.
Streaks, sustainability and regression warning
The Avs are riding a 14-0-2 run and have earned points in almost every outing, but underlying indicators suggest some caution. Colorado’s team PDO is very high, which often signals favorable shooting and save percentages that may normalize. Historical precedents — teams that dominated in the regular season only to lose early in the playoffs — underscore that a long hot start doesn’t guarantee postseason success.
Betting implications for punters
Colorado’s dominance pushes markets toward heavy favorites and compressed futures prices. Practical betting angles: - Futures: Avs as Stanley Cup favorites are plausible but value declines as the line shortens; shop prices before the market tightens. - Moneylines: Short single-game moneylines carry low value — consider hedged or correlated bets rather than straight large stakes on heavy favorites. - Totals and props: With 4+ goal scoring pace, backing Avs-over team totals and player props (MacKinnon goal props, Makar point lines) can offer better value. - Caution: Regression risk argues for restraint — avoid long-term overcommitment at steep odds; use smaller stakes or diversified bets.
Outlook
Colorado has staked an early claim as the NHL front-runner, combining historic point accumulation with elite goal differential and star performances. Maintaining this run will be difficult, but if their depth scoring and goaltending hold, the Avalanche should remain among the league’s top bets and headlines as the season progresses.
With Red Wings back on track, can they carry momentum into long road trip?
At 19-1-6 through 26 games, Colorado already is in rare company and on pace to set an NHL record for points in a season.
Theathleticuk