One NHL team nearing records of 80s Oilers level of domination

Right from the first puck-drop, Colorado has been the NHL's best team this year, offensively and defensively.

After 29 games, they lead the league with 48 points and a goal differential of plus-49, a statistic that hasn't been reached in 20 years.

Oilers' fans have seen this kind of domination before, when the Oilers led the league in goals for and against three times in the early-1980's, when Gretzky wore the C.

In 2025-26, however, the Avs lead the NHL in points (48) and goals for (4.08), fewest goals allowed per game (2.04), and of course, goal differential (+49) on a record of 21-2-6.

They are on pace to beat the NHL's single-season record of 135, set by the Boston Bruins in 2022-23.

Avs are doing it in every possible way. Of course, when you have some of the best players in each area of the game, you're likely to win games.

Nathan MacKinnon is the top scorer in the league in goals and points, with 24 and 49 respectively. He's having a career year and is arguably the leading candidate for the Hart Trophy.

Cale Makar leads all defensemen in points and is a contender for the Norris Trophy, as well as the Hart. He has 9G and 35 points and is on pace for his first 100-point campaign.

And no team could dominate without getting top-level goaltending, which the Avs are.

Scott Wedgewood leads all goalies in wins on a record of 13-1-3 over 19 starts, a 2.07 GAA and a .920 SV%.

Colorado has allowed a league-low 2.04 goals against this year.

It's not hard to see why they're at the top of their game, and the league.