The Colorado Avalanche concluded their regular season with a stellar performance, not only shutting out the Seattle Kraken but also establishing a new franchise record for points. This triumph underscores their consistent excellence and sets a promising tone for their upcoming playoff journey, despite key players resting.
Avalanche Shutout Kraken, Set New Franchise Record
On a Thursday night, April 16, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, the Colorado Avalanche delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood was the star of the evening, making 22 crucial saves to secure his fourth shutout of the season and the twelfth of his distinguished career. Wedgewood's impressive season average of 2.07 goals against per game positions him as a league leader.
The offensive efforts for the Avalanche were spearheaded by Parker Kelly and Nick Blankenburg. Blankenburg's goal at 17:38 of the second period, following an earlier disallowed goal, put Colorado ahead 1-0. Parker Kelly then sealed the win with his 21st goal of the season at 12:19 in the third period. Valeri Nichushkin contributed significantly with two assists, playing a pivotal role in the team's offensive plays.
This victory elevated the Avalanche's season record to an impressive 55-16-11, accumulating a franchise-best 121 points. This achievement surpasses the 119 points garnered by the 2021-22 team that ultimately clinched the Stanley Cup, highlighting a new era of dominance. While the 55 wins are just one shy of their 2021-22 total, the points record speaks volumes about their consistency throughout the season.
The Seattle Kraken (34-37-11, 79 points), on the other hand, faced their third consecutive loss and concluded their season with a challenging streak, losing 13 of their last 16 games. Goaltender Victor Ostman made 33 saves for Seattle, valiantly trying to keep his team in contention.
In preparation for the postseason, the Avalanche strategically rested several key players, including Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews, and Martin Necas, who were healthy scratches. Other notable absentees due to injuries included Nazem Kadri (finger), Gabriel Landeskog (lower body), and Josh Manson (upper body). Despite their absence, MacKinnon finished the season as the NHL's top scorer with 53 goals in 80 games, ranking third overall with 127 points, earning him the Rocket Richard Trophy, a feat only matched in franchise history by Milan Hejduk.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, sporting a black eye from an on-ice incident against Vegas that resulted in facial fractures and a corneal abrasion, returned to the bench after missing two road games. His return underscored the team's unified focus as they prepared for their playoff run.
The Avalanche's first-round playoff opponent was confirmed during the game when the Los Angeles Kings secured the second wild-card spot, setting up their first playoff matchup against Colorado since 2002. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Denver, promising an exciting start to their playoff campaign.
The Avalanche's record-setting performance is a testament to their strategic depth and collective effort. This season's achievements not only bring pride to their fans but also set a high bar for future seasons. The team's ability to maintain high performance while managing player rest illustrates sophisticated preparation for the grueling playoffs. As they advance, all eyes will be on their pursuit of another Stanley Cup, fueled by this historic regular season finish.
