Colorado Avalanche hand the Minnesota Wild a resounding 5-1 defeat, halting their rivals’ hot streak and reasserting their dominance in the Central Division. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar shine with multi-point performances, while Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin’s relentless forecheck and scoring touch help tip the scales. As the Avalanche’s relentless attack produces another 42-shot night, rookie Gavin Brindley mixes it up and sparks a crucial power play opportunity, exposing Minnesota’s discipline issues. Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson break down how the Avalanche’s suffocating forecheck, crisp special teams play, and goaltending from MacKenzie Blackwood stifled Minnesota’s offensive threats and stymied their prized new addition, Quinn Hughes. Key debates include the Landeskog injury scare, rising tension between the teams, and what this performance signals ahead of the Christmas break. Have the Colorado Avalanche reestablished themselves as the true powerhouse in the West? Everydayer Club: If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/