In Part Five of this prediction record for the Colorado Avalanche, the calendar year has turned to 2026. The Avalanche left off in part four, ending on New Year’s Eve against the St. Louis Blues with a win. With a positive record of 23–10–6, will it continue?

January 3 at Carolina Hurricanes (23–10–6)

The Avalanche start the year on the road in the Southeast, hopefully escaping the cold. Against another force of nature, Colorado will look to start the new year on the right foot. With Carolina losing the game in Denver, I think they’ll take the game on home ice at the Lenovo Center.

January 4 at Florida Panthers (23–11–6)

The next day holds a quick turnaround and an afternoon matinee against the Florida Panthers. It also marks the halfway point of the season, being game 41. Coming off the loss against the Canes just a day before and with travel involved, this feels like a penciled-in loss as well.

January 6 at Tampa Bay Lightning (23–12–6)

In this last game of the road trip, Colorado desperately needs a win in this prediction. Of course, it just so happens to come against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a Stanley Cup Final rematch from 2022.

The same ice will witness history being made again. There will surely be another heated MVP race, likely involving Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov. It’s time for one of those classic bold predictions I make in this series: MacKinnon scores three points in a big and much-needed bounce-back win.

January 8 vs. Ottawa Senators (24–12–6)

Every game the Colorado Avalanche has had against the Ottawa Senators in the last three years has been wild, with tons of scoring. This game will be no different, so be sure to bet the over when it comes around!

Also on the Avalanche’s side is their record against the Senators. Despite being a competitive team last year and making the postseason, Colorado has won seven of the last eight games against them, and the trend will continue with an eighth win in nine games.

January 10 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (25–10–6)

The second game of the season-long seven-game home stand comes against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They spoiled the home-opener last year for Colorado and will look for a repeat effort.

However, Colorado will be in mid-season form and with tons of momentum. Therefore, I can see them winning their third straight game, even with Columbus likely competing for a playoff spot again.

January 12 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (26–10–6)

The big bad Leafs make their way to town for a late Monday night showdown. Another game that could be a Stanley Cup Final preview, there will be lots of eyes on this game, even without Mitch Marner.

The Avalanche and Maple Leafs have had tons of close and competitive games in the last few years. Lots of those have been close games and gone beyond regulation. I can see this one doing the same, but Colorado dropping it while still getting a crucial point.

January 16 vs. Nashville Predators (26–10–7)

Colorado gets a long rest between games during this long home stand, and again has to face another division rival in the Nashville Predators. The last game of the year against the Preds will decide who takes the season series, as it’s set at 1–0–2.

The Colorado Avalanche will look to even the series with two wins and two losses. Off the back of the defeat to Toronto, I see them doing just that in a big way in front of what’s sure to be a ruckus Friday night crowd at Ball Arena.

January 19 vs. Washington Capitals (27–10–7)

Martin Luther King Day will see the Avalanche host an afternoon matchup against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The greatest goal-scorer in the NHL might make his last appearance in Denver, with things still unknown about his future after this upcoming season.

There’s uncertainty about the Capitals as well when it comes to this season. Another bold prediction I’ll make is that Ovechkin will score twice in this game. But even then, it won’t be enough in what will be a high-scoring game and another Avalanche win.

January 21 vs. Anaheim Ducks (28–10–7)

Game six of seven on home ice in this stretch features another depleted Anaheim side. Denver Pioneer alum Troy Terry will return to Denver, but the Avalanche will leave him hanging after winning a third straight game.

January 23 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (29–10–7)

The last game in a busy January stretch at home will see Colorado host Rick Tocchet and the Broad Street Bullies. But the Flyers will still be the Flyers, even now with former Duck Trevor Zegras. This should be a fourth straight Avalanche win.

It leaves the Colorado Avalanche ending the home stand with a successful 6–0–1 record and their 30th win of the year. Heading into the end of January and Olympic break, in this prediction, they’re at a record of 30–10–7.