Avalanche notes: MacKinnon, Necas surpassing expectations, Colton impresses, much-needed rest

The Colorado Avalanche are off for a couple of days this week. It’s a sort of calm before the storm as this weekend figures to be a busy one. But there’s still plenty to talk about.

So, let’s jump into today’s Avalanche notes.

Avalanche notes as key players continue to impress

MacKinnon, Necas surpassing expectations

Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas have surpassed expectations so far this season. That’s by no means a stretch considering the talent the duo possesses. And the advanced stats back that up.

Entering Tuesday’s action, MacKinnon has 14 goals. That’s above his 11.3 expected goals, according to MoneyPuck. Similarly, Necas has 13, well above his 7.8 expected goals. Based on those numbers alone, MacKinnon and Necas have been performing above what the analytics would have projected for them.

MacKinnon is on pace to score 60 goals this season. Meanwhile, Necas is on track for 56. Those are mind-shocking numbers and a big reason why the Avalanche are leading the NHL standings so far this season.

Colton impresses

Another player earning much-deserved hype is Ross Colton. While he’s not on pace for 60 goals, his tally on Sunday night against the New York Islanders was a huge one. It tied the game and sparked the club to a 4-1 win.

Colton’s performance did not go unnoticed. Following the game, coach Jared Bednar sang Colton’s praises.

Check out Bednar’s comments:

Bednar highlighted Colton’s consistency. That’s a crucial component for the Avalanche this season. The consistency has been there across the board. And it’s that consistency that rewards Colton and Brock Nelson with great games on Sunday night. They picked up the top six who did not have as good an offensive night as other times.

Much-need rest

Another key element for the Avalanche is some much-needed rest this week. The Avs have played 19 games so far. That’s one more game than the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks in the Central Division. Only Minnesota and Nashville have played 20, while everyone else sits at 19.

This weekend will be a busy one as the Avalanche play three games in four nights. Colorado will play a back-to-back set on Saturday and Sunday. So, getting some time to recover from wear and tear will be crucial for the club, especially the goalies. It remains to be seen who will get the call on Thursday night against the New York Rangers.

But one thing’s for sure. We’ll see Scott Wedgewood and MacKenzie Blackwood split the starts against the Predators and Blackhawks over the weekend.