After missing the playoffs for 15 straight years, the Colorado Avalanche are not only on pace to make the dance but are contending for top spot in the Western Conference.

The Avs boast a 20-11-1-2 record through 34 games, placing them second in the West, three points behind San Jose.

"It's been a pleasant surprise so far," said GM Josh Lewis. "Last year it seemed like everything that could go against us did, and even with the additions of Frolik, Couture, Alzner et al, it felt like we'd be in a fight to make the playoffs this year. It's still early and there's lots of time for the other shoe to drop, but I'm happy with what we've seen so far."

Colorado's top line has dominated after the summer addition of Michael Frolik, who leads the league in scoring with 45 points. Linemates Mitch Marner and Alex Nylander are right behind with 41 and 39 points respectively. At one point the trio sat 1-2-3 in the league scoring race.

Evgeni Svechnikov has 18 goals already in second-line duty, and Juraj Slafkovsky continues to grow with 21 points. Also on the youth front, former top 10 pick Adam Sykora is progressing rapidly despite playing fourth-line minutes.
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