Avalanche fans prove they’re among the best in the NHL

From jam-packed crowds at Pepsi Center to through-the-roof television ratings, the Stanley Cup Playoffs have shown Colorado is once again a hockey hotbed

BY DENVERSPORTS.COM STAFF

May 3, 2019, 1:27 PM

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When people talk about the “best hockey markets” in the NHL, they tend to veer in one of two directions. First, there’s the obvious lean toward Canadian cities, which makes sense; the sport is on a different level in that country. And second, there’s an inclination to favor the classic franchises, leaning toward the “original six” markets like Boston, Chicago, Detroit and New York.

Rarely does the conversation turn toward the western half of the United States, however. Those teams are seen as trendy, front-runner and newbie markets.

But during the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fans in Colorado are making a case for changing the conventional wisdom. Game after game, Avalanche fans are representing in a big way.

Every night at Pepsi Center has been an event, in all sorts of ways. Here’s a quick look at the evidence supporting the claim that Avs fans are among the best in the NHL:

The pom poms are out in force, placed on every seat prior to puck drop so every fan can get in on the action.

Ready to shake.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Bh5PzZVyHK

— x- Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 2, 2019

Fans arrive at the arena decked out in team gear, from sweaters to scarves, from face paint to t-shirts.

It’s almost time to take this pregame tailgate inside! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/aZw0U3ygDn

— x- Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 3, 2019

The “crazies” have come out of the woodwork.

"Man, if you're gonna save all those pom poms, you'd better do something with them."

"Challenge accepted." #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/EZYyLML0wU

— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) May 3, 2019

The game presentation folks put on the best pregame show in the business.

So far, this year's NHL playoffs have been a proving ground for in-arena production teams.

Here's a look at how the @Avalanche make their arena come to life with synchronized lights in the crowd.

(🎥: @dustcollector19 via LinkedIn) pic.twitter.com/zfaPuQEUn6

— Front Office Sports (@frntofficesport) April 18, 2019

The crowd has been loud, boisterous and engaged in the game.

“Let’s Go Avs” chants are ringing through Pepsi Center. This crowd is ready! #9Sports #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/BaK14RtkJt

— Taylor Temby (@TayTembs) May 1, 2019

Even football scribes in the Mile High City are getting swept up in the hoopla.

Come for the insane atmosphere @pepsicenter for Game Four, stay for @6ErikJohnson’s rink-long empty net goal for the @Avalanche vs the #SJSharks. The goal just made #GoAvsGo fans even more insane! There is nothing like the #StanleyCup Playoffs. #GoAvsGo #GoAvsGo #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/SX5yVzWbfH

— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) May 3, 2019

And the fervor for the team extended beyond Pepsi Center. NBC Sports Network continues to see huge ratings in the Mile High City.

Last night's @SanJoseSharks @Avalanche Game 4 posted 0.99 overnight rating on @NBCSN, up 9% vs Nas-Win last year. Denver set ANOTHER record with an 8.4 local rating, NBC Sports' best NHL rating in the market ON RECORD. San Jose delivered a 4.6 rating. pic.twitter.com/Y1BZ5wNbVC

— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) May 3, 2019

Is Colorado in the same class as traditional hockey hotbeds? A trip to Pepsi Center for a playoff game would certainly suggest they’re right there.