The Avs hope Valeri Nichushkin could play as soon as Wednesday, the first game of the homestand, against New Jersey. That would be the healthiest the team has been all year, with just defenseman Josh Manson missing from a Landeskog-less optimal lineup.

Cale Makar set an Avalanche record for most points in a game by a defenseman with six (two goals, four assists) in the win. Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and three assists. Martin Necas had a goal and an assist, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 32 saves.

The 4 Nations Face-Off captivated not only the hockey world, but the entirety of the sports universe. As everyone watched Team Canada come out on top, three Avalanche players- Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Devon Toews- helped the hockey dynasty defend its spot at the top of international competition.

Cale Makar produced two goals and four assists for the first six-point game of his career, Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and added three assists, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the San Jose Sharks 7-3 in Denver on Thursday.