Colorado Avalanche: 7 Takeaways from Win vs Ducks

October 16, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanchecenter Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates with left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and left wing Alex Tanguay (40) his goal scored against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Colorado Avalanche Has a New First Line

In the 2014-15 season, the Colorado Avalanche’s best line was arguably that of Ryan O’Reilly, Landeskog and either one of Tanguay and MacKinnon. While we all know how good our captain is, how much talent MacKinnon has and how great Tanguay’s career has been so far, the main factor that made the group successful seemed to be O’Reilly. Now we have to say: Hahaha, no!

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When the Avalanche brought Soderberg to Colorado, Roy said the plan was to have a second line of Landeskog-Soderberg-MacKinnon. In preseason, it looked like Landeskog-Soderberg-Rantanen would be the perfect solution. Ultimately, Roy decided to move MacKinnon, the 2014 Calder Trophy winner, back to his natural center position, with Landeskog and Tanguay on his wings. Unexpected, but 100 percent the right move.

Four games into the season, MacKinnon and Landeskog lead the Avalanche with six points each, while Tanguay sits at three. That’s 12 more points than the first line (Comeau-Duchene-Iginla) has — and none of their three points were recorded in that line constellation.

So, it looks like the Avs have a line that produces consistently — exactly what you want to have as your top line.

Next: Mikko Rantanen Looked Good with Duchene