Avalanche Playoff Bound

With a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night, the Colorado Avalanche clinched its 11th playoff berth since moving to Denver prior to the 1995-96 NHL season.

Since that time, the Avs have been one of the league’s most successful teams in regards to the postseason. Along with winning Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001, the Avalanche has made six appearances in the conference finals (1996, ’97, ’99, ’00, ’01 and ’02).

Since arriving in Colorado, the Avs are also tied for second among NHL teams in playoff appearances (11) and have been involved in more playoff games (153) than any other club during that span.

Following are some figures which detail the Avalanche’s playoff success since the club’s arrival in the Mile High City.

Most playoff appearances since 1996
Detroit                 12 (including this year)
Colorado            11 (including this year)
New Jersey        11 (including this year)
Ottawa                10
Philadelphia      10
Dallas                 10 (including this year)

Most playoff series since 1996
Detroit                27
Colorado           26
New Jersey       22
Dallas                19
Philadelphia     19

Best series records since 1996 (minimum: 10 series)
Anaheim            10-4 (.714)
Detroit                 19-8 (.704)
Carolina              7-3 (.700)
Colorado            18-8 (.692)
New Jersey        14-8 (.636)

Most total playoff games since 1996
Colorado            153
Detroit                 149
New Jersey        126
Dallas                 109
Philadelphia      108