Avalanche’s record-setting depth has Colorado in the NHL record books

The Colorado Avalanche have won all six games they’ve played this postseason, but it’s the last two against the Minnesota Wild — and how many goals they’ve tallied to take that lead — which is getting them the spotlight.

With Valeri Nichushkin’s empty-net goal late in the third period, the Avs became the first team in NHL history to have 12 different goal scorers through the first two games of a playoff series.

The 14 total goals Colorado has piled up in this series are also the most by any team in the first two games of a playoff series since the Calgary Flames put up 15 against the Los Angeles Kings back in 1988.

It’s a testament to the depth that has defined this Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche team all season.

“Everybody’s a factor when they step on the ice, so I think that’s ultimately what it comes down to,” Gabriel Landeskog said. “Everybody’s doing their job. Everybody’s got a role to play on this team.”

Of course, having Nathan MacKinnon driving the bus doesn’t hurt either. And while the superstar has stuffed the stat sheet through two games, he insists the production is a byproduct of a deeper, team-wide commitment.

“The playoffs is so hard… you don’t have to score a point to help the team out,” MacKinnon said. “There’s a lot of time away from the puck when you don’t have it. Every shift is so important. It might not go perfect, but I just think having the right intent is all you can ask for yourself and your teammates — just to have the right intentions out there and put the team first.”

Landeskog echoed the sentiment, pointing out that plenty of guys who didn’t show up on the scoresheet Tuesday were just as critical to the win.

“A lot of guys not necessarily had points tonight, but played awesome,” MacKinnon added.

Whether the record-setting offensive barrage continues in Game 3 or not, the Avs have already made their statement: when this team rolls four lines and three pairs, the goals and wins take care of themselves.

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