Craig Berube on the challenge presented by the Avalanche's five-man attack: "They already have four defensemen with 20 or more points... You don't see that very often"

"They're very good at home. Obviously, if you just look at their record, it is a great team over there. They have some really high-end players. We all know that. They play a very fast game. Their defensemen are very active. They skate really well; it's a good skating team over there, and their top line is very dangerous. We know that. MacKinnon is a great player."

"The altitude affects you. You have to keep your shifts short. You can't over-extend your shifts. It is important; if you are out there for a bit, and maybe you think you have an opportunity to forecheck again or get into the offensive zone, it is the time to change. It boils down to being disciplined with your line changes and shift lengths."

"For sure. They're a good team. You don't have the record they have without depth and secondary scoring, which they have. They have gotten contributions from everybody. Everyone talks about their top line, but if you look underneath it, they have had good contributions from a lot of guys. I think they have three or four defensemen with over 20 points. You don't see that very often on any other team."

Colorado Avalanche are unbeaten at home with a 19-0-2 record and possess high-end players, including an elite top line led by Nathan MacKinnon. The team plays a very fast game with active, mobile defensemen and strong overall skating. The altitude in Colorado affects visiting players, necessitating shorter shifts, disciplined line changes, and avoidance of overextending on forechecks or offensive zone chances. The Avalanche combine top-end talent with depth and consistent secondary scoring, with multiple defensemen posting over 20 points. The team will wear Nordiques throwback jerseys, evoking memories of past games in that arena.

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