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Colorado Avalanche: 4 Reasons for Optimism

By Nadia Archuleta

Mar 20, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche right winger Jarome Iginla (12) celebrates with Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) with Avalanche left winger Mikkel Boedker (89) and Avalanche left winger Gabriel Landeskog (92) as they took on the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche right winger Jarome Iginla (12) celebrates with Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) with Avalanche left winger Mikkel Boedker (89) and Avalanche left winger Gabriel Landeskog (92) as they took on the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center John Mitchell (7) reacts to his overtime winning goal with center Matt Duchene (9) against the Minnesota Wild at Pepsi Center. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

#2: Un-Advanced Stats

The Colorado Avalanche have nine games left. To make the playoffs, they’re probably going to have to win five of those. They’ve won 54% of their games — if they follow that win trajectory, that should happen. Of course, one of those wins really needs to be against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

The Minnesota Wild have eight games remaining. They’ve also now won 54% of their games. If they also follow their trajectory, then they’ll win four more, which means they’ll finish one point behind the Colorado Avalanche.

I’m not going to do advanced stats. I will point out that Minnesota wouldn’t even be in a playoff position if not for loser points — they have 11 overtime loss points compared to Colorado’s four. What’s more, in the event of a tie, the Avalanche have the first tie-breaker, the regulation-overtime wins (34 vs 32).

A little more math. If Colorado can manage to score three goals, they have a good chance of winning. Now, even without Duchene and MacKinnon, the other players should be able to grind out that many in at least five games.

Gabriel Landeskog, Tyson Barrie, Mikkel Boedker, Jarome Iginla — we’re all looking at you.

Next: Grinders

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