Deen’s Daily: Central Division Strength; One Year With Wedgewood; Bedard Magic

The Central Division is as powerful as ever. Is this actually a good thing for the Avs? Also, the first anniversary of a trade just passed, and Connor Bedard was a magician in Chicago’s comeback against Leo Carlsson’s Anaheim Ducks.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 1.

Colorado Hockey Now

Scott Wedgewood was acquired from the Nashville Predators a year ago yesterday.

I know many of you have watched his interviews, read his quotes, and seen him crush it on the ice. But it still doesn’t truly measure how much he means to this team. Wedgewood is one of the brightest minds in that room. He’s a goalie guru and studies the game. He’s also great to chat with, and his teammates love him.

Chris MacFarland hit this one out of the park. And on the first anniversary of that trade, I chatted with Wedgewood, Jared Bednar, and Nathan MacKinnon about how much of a hand Wedgewood and teammate Mackenzie Blackwood have played in the changes we’ve seen in this organization.

This one is pretty lengthy, and one of my favorites written stories this year. It’s behind the CHN+ paywall.

Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY for 50% off an annual subscription.

READ MORE: How Wedgewood, Blackwood Have Helped Avalanche Reach New Heights (+)

Around The NHL

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Dallas Stars wooped up on the Sens on Sunday. They’re keeping pace with the Avs, trailing behind by four points, albeit Colorado also has a game in hand.

I’m starting to wonder if this ends up being a good thing for the Avs. We’ve seen teams like Boston in 2023 and Tampa Bay in 2019 win 60+ games and break records only to be eliminated in the first round. I’m not saying winning games is a bad thing, but I am saying that having another team continue to make you feel uncomfortable could help.

The Avs being 10, 15, or 20 points ahead of the pack could give them room to coast a little bit. They’d probably still win a lot of games in that scenario just based on skill alone. But if Dallas remains on their tail, and teams like Minnesota continue to rack up wins, perhaps it’ll keep the Avalanche from taking the foot off the pedal.

Maybe it’ll lead to keeping those winning habits, rather than coasting into the playoffs and being surprised by a team that fought until the 82nd game to get there. This is ultimately what happened to both Boston and Tampa Bay.

On the other hand, Colorado is as focused as I’ve ever seen. This team can end the season with 70 wins, and you could argue they’ll continue with the same mindset they had on opening night. Right now, they’re winning games by five or six goals and still checking until the final buzzer sounds.

I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on this. What say you?

Chicago Hockey Now: Bedard was a magician against the Ducks on Sunday. Anaheim led 3-0, but Bedard had four points, and the Blackhawks came back to win in regulation.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights are getting help in goal on Tuesday. It’s not Adin Hill. But Carter Hart, who is eligible to return starting today.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers have a lot of injuries, and they’re well aware that things aren’t going to come easy this year.

Detroit Hockey Now: If the Wings expect to get in on Quinn Hughes, they’ll have to get in line.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens’ hot start hasn’t been so hot as of late. This is what rookie development looks like.