The Colorado Avalanche are in a prime position right now, sharing the top spot in wins with the Tampa Bay Lightning at 37. They're also three wins ahead of the Minnesota Wild in the Central Division, with the added bonus of having three games in hand. But what really tilts the scales in Colorado's favor is the recent setback for the Dallas Stars.
Stars winger Mikko Rantanen is sidelined due to an injury he picked up during the Winter Olympics. He's expected to be out for at least four weeks. This means Rantanen will miss the crucial matchup against the Avalanche in just 11 days when Colorado heads to Dallas.
Rantanen has been a pivotal player for the Stars, tallying 20 goals and 49 assists over 54 games. Although he's been in a bit of a scoring slump lately, his impact on the power play is undeniable, with 30 power play points this season. His absence will be a significant blow to the Stars, giving the Avalanche a golden opportunity to solidify their standing.
Meanwhile, the NHL is buzzing with news of another major injury-this time to Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. Crosby was also injured during the Winter Olympics, missing several games for Team Canada, including the Gold Medal showdown. He's expected to be out for a minimum of four weeks, which means he'll miss the Penguins' clash with the Avalanche on March 16.
Crosby has been a powerhouse, racking up 27 goals and 32 assists in 56 games, with a notable 10 goals and assists on the power play. His absence leaves a gaping hole not just in the Penguins' lineup, but also in their leadership on the ice. This could seriously impact their ability to hold onto their second-place spot in the Metropolitan Division.
For the Avalanche, this is a moment to capitalize. The players returning from the Olympics were in top form, and maintaining that momentum through the final stretch of the 2025-26 season could make them a formidable force once again. If they seize this opportunity, the rest of the league will need to take notice.