Avalanche’s Opening-Night Record Stands Among NHL’s Best

July 16, 2026 - 06:30

With every team's opening-night matchup for the 2026-27 season now official, it is a good time to look back at the Colorado Avalanche's remarkable history in season openers. The franchise holds one of the best records in the NHL when it comes to starting the season on the right foot. Since moving to Denver, the Avalanche have posted a winning percentage that places them near the very top of the league, trailing only a handful of historic teams.

The numbers are impressive. Colorado has won more than two-thirds of its opening-night games since the 1995-96 season. That includes a stretch of dominance in the early 2000s and a recent resurgence under the current core. The team's ability to set the tone early has often translated into deep playoff runs. In fact, many of the Avalanche's most successful seasons began with a victory on opening night.

This season, the Avalanche will look to extend that streak when they face a tough opponent at Ball Arena. The matchup promises to be a test right out of the gate. For a team that has championship aspirations every year, starting strong is not just a nice stat. It is a statement. The Avalanche have built a culture of winning, and opening night is where that culture is on full display.