First off...The Avalanche Icegirls uniforms are........well.....epic to start with.
Anyway....It's one of my favorite parts of the NHL playoffs. Looking at the matchups, because in the NHL, for the past three seasons especially, there is a remarkable correlation to how well certain teams do versus certain teams in the regular season spilling over to the playoffs. In this league of teams separated by a very few points it is incredible how "who you play" really matters... so let's get right to it.
The Central Division: Colorado vs Chicago
Of all the matchups that are possible, this one is as close to a sure thing as you can get....These teams are highly likely to meet in the first round...
This Season:
Colorado has won 4 of 5. 3 in regulation. Including the last three times they have met. In all 4 of Colorado's victories they have held Chicago, the #1 scoring team in the NHL, to only 2 goals. The one Chicago win was a 7-2 thumping back on December 27th. The Avalanche have outscored the Hawks 17-4
Last Three Seasons:
Ok, this one is surprising...Over the last three seasons, while the Hawks have been beating up on pretty much everyone and the Avalanche have struggled until this year, the Avalanche have won 8 of the 12 meetings outscoring the Hawks 42-33. Home ice hasn't mattered. 4-2 in both arenas.
All Time Record: Including when the franchise was in Quebec... Colorado/Quebec: 57 wins Chicago: 50 wins 9 ties.
Playoffs Against: These teams have met twice before. In back to back season. 1995-96, and 1996-97. Colorado won both series by a 4-2 margin. However out of the 12 games, 5 went to Overtime, 4 of the 6 games in 95-96 in what is remembered as one of the best series of all time. Two single OT games, 1 Double OT game and 1 Triple OT game.
The X factor:
Despite the regular season dominance the Avalanche and their coach have very little playoff experience, where the Hawks have won two Cups recently and are full of experience. Will that come into play? You'd have to think so.
What's the Buzz?
Next up...The Atlantic.