The Colorado Avalanche have a different aura surrounding them heading into this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs compared to last year. Last year, they were a team who, outside of Colin Wilson and a couple guys involved in the First Round series against the Minnesota Wild in 2014, no playoff experience.
Last season, the Avalanche were just happy to make the playoffs and gain some playoff experience. This year, it’s different. Even though they are the second wildcard team, they have expectations. The Avalanche are the hottest team in hockey right now, and we’ve seen an 8 seed run through the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup.