When the Colorado Avalanche finished their 2016–17 season, it was the worst in the modern era. They would finish the season with only 48 points in head coach Jared Bednar’s first season as bench boss. Spectators clamored for his position, oblivious that circumstances would soon improve. Let’s just compare the worst season in Avalanche history to the current Avalanche season.

After the game on Sunday, which was their 21st victory of the season, they now have 48 points in the standings. This now ties their 2016-17 point total in just 29 games this season.

Nathan MacKinnon

MacKinnon is one of two players left from that season. He was in his fourth year after being drafted in the 2013 NHL Draft. MacKinnon would finish the season with 16 goals and 37 assists, totaling 53 points. In just 29 games this season, MacKinnon already has 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points. The Canadian is just four points off his 2016–17 point total in only 29 games.

Gabriel Landeskog

The other player is Landeskog, from that terrible season. He was playing sixth year for the Avalanche and his fifth as captain of the team. The former Kitchner Ranger finished the 2016–17 with 33 points (18g/15a). This year presents a unique experience for the Swede. He is returning after being away from playing in the regular season for three years. His sacrifice to win the Stanley Cup for the Avalanche will forever keep him in the hearts of all Colorado fans. So his five goals and 14 assists are well short of his expectations, but a miracle.

Oct 17, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) celebrates his game winning goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime at the PPG Paints Arena. Colorado won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Goaltending

Colorado’s goaltending, the “Lumberyard”, constitutes one of the team’s strengths. Scott Wedgewood, who is the backup, had to step in to start the season in place of Mackenzie Blackwood. Wedgewood already has a record of 13–1–3, two wins short of Calvin Pickard’s win total all season long.

Dec 10, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) takes a drink during the second period of the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Semyon Varlamov had only six wins in 24 games and had to end his season in January 2017 because of hip surgery. Pickard tried to hold it together but could only do so much. The difference now is that Wedgewood has a solid defense in front of him.

Defense

The anchor of the defense in 2016–17 were players like Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie, Nikita Zadorov, and François Beauchemin. Now we have two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, onetime Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns, and they have held on to their Stanley Cup defense from 2022.

Oct 17, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) skates into the offensive zone against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The team now could be one of the strongest teams in franchise history ever to be assembled. The 2016–17 was a ragtag team that attempted to build around a few core players that miserably failed. This year’s team could set records, both personal and franchise, that no fans have ever dreamt of.