What a year it’s been, this 2017.
The Avalanche are set to wrap up the calendar year with the second-worst record of all NHL teams (ahead of only the Vegas Golden Knights, who have played in half as many games) - but after finishing 20-plus points behind everyone else last season, they’ve made some serious strides this year.
Coming off of a confidence-boosting 4-3 overtime victory against Calvin Pickard and the Toronto Maple Leafs this weekend, Colorado will look to go out on a high note - but they’ll have to get through John Tavares and the New York Islanders to do it.