It took them 20 minutes to get going, but from the second period on, the Avalanche were very much like their namesake, unstoppable. Only an incredible 51 save performance from Binnington kept the Blues from embarrassment. Will we see a repeat from Binnington? That kind of outing must be exhausting; I can’t see any goalie keeping the score down if Colorado continues such dominant play.

I expected more of the Blues, but good teams have put up some high totals against them this season. We will see how they perform at home.

In games that mattered coming down the stretch the Avalanche were the complete package, getting solid defense and goal-tending as well as their scintillating offense. Colorado is a huge favorite, and rightly so today. Look for the Avs to solve Binnington. Take them to win on the puck line at -1 ½.