Deen’s Daily: Avs Duo Leads NHL; Hutson Signs Friendly Deal

The Avalanche’s top duo leads the NHL in points. Also, first losses, first wins, and a big contract extension for Lane Hutson that looks surprisingly team-friendly.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — October 14.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are quietly cruising along to a solid start to the season. They’re 3-0-1, and only four other teams can possibly have a record as good or better through four games.

The Predators (2-0-1) can win their next game to match Colorado’s record. Meanwhile, Dallas, Seattle, and Carolina are all 2-0-0, meaning they’d need to collect at least three points in two games to match the Avs, or win two more in a row to be 4-0-0.

Dallas plays Minnesota on Tuesday and Nashville is in Toronto. Seattle plays Montreal and Carolina is up against San Jose. The Avs don’t play again until Thursday.

READ MORE: The Aftermath: Top Line Helps Quiet Avalanche Defeat Buffalo

Colorado’s dynamic duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas are tied for the league lead in points. They each have eight in four games, with nobody else producing more than seven through the first week of the regular season.

That, and more, in my latest 10 Observations column — breaking down the Avs’ 3-1 victory in Buffalo in an early matinée game on Monday.

READ MORE: 10 Observations: There’s No Stopping the MacKinnon and Necas Duo

Around The NHL

Montreal Hockey Now: What a great deal for both Hutson and the Habs. The two agreed to terms on a max-term eight-year contract extension that came in lower than what was rumored to be out there.

It sounds like the player didn’t want this hanging over his head all year.

Detroit Hockey Now: Four reasons why the Red Wings are winning games they probably shouldn’t.

Chicago Hockey Now: The first win of the Jeff Blashill era in Chicago has arrived.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers started the season 3-0-0 before suffering their first loss on Monday.

Philly Hockey Now: That Florida loss came to the Flyers, who were led by their veteran captain.