10 Observations: Why the Avalanche’s Victory in Detroit Was Vital for the Road Trip (+)

DETROIT — It’s not often that the 28th game of the season matters as much as this one did. Not for a Stanley Cup contender — not for this iteration of the Avalanche.

But Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings was massive. It mattered for the Avs, it was vital for the road trip and it set them up to not only have a solid trip but for it to also not completely fall apart.

Had the Avs lost, they’d have fallen back to .500, which, at more than a third into the season, isn’t quite where they’d want to be. Their current 15-13-0 record is below expectations as it is.

It would’ve also meant they’re 1-2-0 on the trip and the one victory was a game where they trailed 4-0 before making a miraculous comeback. Because the Avs are in New Jersey on Sunday for the second of a back-to-back, the pressure to come away with two points against a stronger team would’ve multiplied. But, if they lose to the Devils, they’ll still now have a chance to gain 6-of-10 points by beating the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Like I said, it’s only Game 28. But this one mattered and the Avs got the job done.