Denver Hockey Game Draws Record Crowd Amid Playoff Push
Denver Hockey Game Draws Record Crowd Amid Playoff Push...
A sold-out crowd of 18,007 packed Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday night as the Colorado Avalanche clinched a crucial playoff berth with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The game marked the largest attendance for an Avalanche home game this season, reflecting surging local interest as the team battles for Western Conference positioning.
Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, including the game-winner early in the third period, extending his point streak to 12 games. The victory moved Colorado within three points of first-place Dallas in the Central Division with five games remaining. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev made 34 saves to secure the win.
The matchup is trending nationally due to its playoff implications and a viral moment when Blues forward Robert Thomas accidentally shot the puck into his own net during a delayed penalty. The blooper has garnered over 2 million views across social media platforms since Saturday night.
Denver's hockey fever comes as the Avalanche seek their second Stanley Cup in three years. Ticket resale prices for remaining home games have jumped 40% this week, according to TickPick data. The team's next home game against the Winnipeg Jets on April 16 is already sold out.
Local businesses near Ball Arena reported record gameday sales, with some bars seeing 300% increases compared to typical Saturday nights. The economic boost comes as Denver prepares to potentially host multiple playoff rounds next month.
Coach Jared Bednar told reporters Sunday the team is "peaking at the right time" despite injuries to key players. Defenseman Cale Makar missed his third straight game with a lower-body injury but could return this week. The Avalanche close their regular season with back-to-back road games in Vegas and Nashville.
With the NHL playoffs beginning April 20, Colorado remains among the betting favorites at +750 odds to win the Stanley Cup, behind only Boston and Florida. The team's strong finish has reignited championship expectations among Denver sports fans still celebrating the Nuggets' 2023 NBA title.
