The Colorado Avalanche announced earlier today the passing of Troy Murray, who won the Stanley Cup with the team during their first championship season in 1996.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The pair of division rivals don’t just sit on top of the Central, they also own the two highest point totals in the entire NHL.

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired forward Nicolas Roy in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rumors linking Vincent Trocheck to the Colorado Avalanche are gaining momentum, and the idea of him joining forces with Nathan MacKinnon has quickly captured attention across the league.

Parker Kelly scored twice, Martin Necas had a goal, and Brock Nelson and Jack Drury each had two assists for the Avalanche (41-10-9), who have won three in a row and five of six, including a 4-2 victory at the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Cale Makar had a goal and two assists, Nathan MacKinnon secured his fourth consecutive 100-point season with a third-period assist, and the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche snapped the Anaheim Ducks' five-game winning streak with a 5-1 victory Tuesday night.

Devon Toews scored the tiebreaking goal late in the third period, Martin Necas added an empty-netter to go with two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.