CHICAGO (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche became the first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot on Friday night. That development had been just a matter of time for a while. But the way they secured the franchise's ninth consecutive postseason appearance,

Brock Nelson's goal at 1:22 of overtime helped the Avalanche pick up a 3-2 win against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Sunday. Gabriel Landeskog scored in his return to the lineup, Nicolas Roy added a tally for the Avs and Martin Necas posted two assists.

CHICAGO (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had three assists in Colorado's 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night, helping the Avalanche become the first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot this season.

The Colorado Avalanche is getting its captain back. Landeskog missed three full regular seasons with knee issues, but returned last year during the playoffs. He played every game this season until crashing into the net and end boards Jan.

Nugent-Hopkins scored twice while McDavid tallied the game-winner on the power play in the third period as the Oilers rose to the challenge on Tuesday to defeat the Avalanche 4-3 at Ball Arena

In the wake of a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, it felt like the pressure had come to a head for the Colorado Avalanche. Just two points up in a divisional race they had once seemingly had in the bag,