AVALANCHE OVER BLUES

The Avalanche have all the pieces in place to become a dynasty.

Nathan MacKinnon might be the best allaround player in the NHL. Linemates Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen, now healthy, form the best first line in hockey. Defenseman Cale Makar has a 50/50 chance to win the Calder Trophy. Goalies Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz were one of the NHL’s best duos.

The Blues retain all the needed pieces for their title defense and the Stars have towering Ben Bishop in goal, but it feels this might be the Avs’ breakthrough year.