The Colorado Avalanche completed the best January in NHL history with a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night.
Colorado set a league record for the most wins in January with 15. They also tied the Boston Bruins (March 2014) and Pittsburgh Penguins (March 2013) for the most wins by an NHL club in any month.
... and that's not all.
The latest triumph extended their current winning streak to 10 games and extended the home winning streak to 18 games. Colorado improved to 19-0-1 in the last 20 games at Ball Arena overall.
Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist. Nazem Kadri, Gabe Landeskog, and Valeri Nichushkin also scored goals and Darcy Kuemper made 30 saves.
The 'Avs improved to 32-8-3 and extended their lead in the Central Division to nine points. They remain tied with the Florida Panthers for the league's top spot.
And the beat rolls on for the 'Avs who have one more game before the NHL All-Star Game and an eight-day layoff.
...
The news about 'Avs captain Nate MacKinnon broke a few days ago but I wanted to touch on it. MacKinnon was caught with a high hit by Bruins forward Taylor Hall. Mac was left bloodied on the ice and would leave that game.
We now know the extent of the Colorado star's injuries.
MacKinnon has a facial fracture and a concussion. He had nose surgery and is expected to be out until after the All-Star Game. He was supposed to be the captain of the Central Division in that game.
This just adds more fuel to the fire of dislike that I have for Hall. The hit was unnecessary and now the 'Avs will be without one of their very best for an extended time.
Nothing new for this team which makes what they have done this season all the more remarkable.
Thanks for reading, Steve