NHL Power Rankings: Chicago Blackhawks Stick In Top 5

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Drew Doughty (8) jumps to celebrate a short handed goal with Los Angeles Kings Winger Trevor Lewis (22) and Los Angeles Kings Center Nick Shore (21) during the third period of the NHL regular season game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 23, 2017, at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 19: Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a first period goal during a regular season game between the Colorado Avalanche and the visiting St. Louis Blues on October 19, 2017, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 20 Colorado Avalanche

Previous: No. 10

After a 4-1 start, the Avs are coming back to earth, losing their last three games. There is no question that they have been playing better with a new sense of teamwork, but defense will continue to weigh them down. The Matt Duchene situation also isn’t helping, although he seems to be making the best of it. There are some really nice pieces on this team, but the best thing for them at this point would be to trade some veterans and continue playing the kids. Ending the season a .500 team does them no good.