The Avs Hockey Podcast: Recent Episodes

Jay Vean

Two Fan's Perspectives on Colorado Avalanche Hockey...and jerseys too.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay preview the upcoming Olympic games in Italy, they discuss the current status of the injury list for the team, and they troubleshoot the last in the league power play at length. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #158 of The Avs Hockey Podcast.

Thank you for the listen, friends!

Our Favorite Hockey Things to Share with You

James: Everyone loves a good hockey chirp. Here’s a list of some real beauties.

Jay: Nathan MacKinnon was kind enough to join ESPN’s Erik Johnson between the benches both during and after the January 31 game against the Red Wings in Detroit. The post game version didn’t disappoint at all.

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the hottest team in the league right now, they get excited about some new contract extensions, and they bid a very fond farewell to a true Avalanche legend. Those topics and plenty more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #157. Thanks for listening to the show, friends.

Our Favorite Avs and Hockey Stuff to Share with You

James wanted to make sure we were all on the same page when it came to hockey position lingo.

Just hockey things
byu/Quenki inhockey

Jay appreciated this gutsy coaching and management move by Jared Bednar during overtime against the Canucks on November 9. Please follow us on Bluesky here.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the off season that was too long again, they cover the arrivals and departures from last season, and they also consider the moving target that is player value in the NHL. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #156 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. It’s almost regular season hockey time again, friends. Thanks for joining us!

Our Favorite Hockey and Sports Things to Share with You

James: We’re always here for some Marc-Andre Fleury mic’d up moments. Congrats on a Hall of Fame career, Flower! “POKE CHECK!”

[Pens] Marc-André Fleury mic’d up at practice
byu/DecentLurker96 inhockey

Anyone who has played beer league hockey knows exactly how this type of stuff goes.

Some hockey bros
byu/TheBadHalfOfAFandom inJustGuysBeingDudes

Jay: The top 30 goals in Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club history. BRB, watching this on repeat until opening night on October 7 in Los Angeles against the Kings.

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In this podcast, “Tapeleg” and Jay talk about the start of another playoff run, they encourage the Avs to stick to the plan, and they have a chance to celebrate James being completely, utterly, and 100% wrong. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #155 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you for joining us, friends!

Our Favorite Hockey and Sports Things to Share with You

James: Alex Ovechkin calls his team back out from the tunnel to honor Marc-Andre Fleury’s Hall of Fame career

Alex Ovechkin calls his teammates back to shake hands with Marc-André Fleury.
byu/catsgr8rthanspoonies inhockey

Jay: NCAA Men’s March Madness official Roger Ayers dries a “wet spot” on the floor to ensure a Liberty player has the chance to play in the national tournament

And there’s no way we would fail to mention the return of The Captain.

From there:

To here:

Welcome back, 92.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay analyze the moves the Avs made at the trade deadline, they describe Nathan MacKinnon doing even more Nathan MacKinnon things, and they break down yet another Mikko Rantanen trade. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #154 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you for joining us, friends!

James and Jay’s Favorite Hockey Things for YouJames shows up for the hockey and stays for the bulk misconducts.

77 for Detroit's gonna have a minor for roughing, and alllll the other guys are gonna have a misconduct
byu/dilypucks inhockey

James also appreciates a gentleman. Well done, Linus Ullmark.

Linus Ullmark cuts off a reporter that kept interrupting Claire Hanna
byu/chespiotta inhockey

Jay: The Sean Avery/Brett Hull/Joe Sakic story just keeps getting better. Now with video!

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the trade which shook up the entire hockey world, they explore Colorado’s All-Century team, and they also fix the power play with their spare time and energy. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #153 of The AHP. Thank you for downloading the show, friends.

James and Jay’s Favorite Hockey Things (Since their last show)

Shoresy is a great show. It makes Tapeleg feel feels. It’s a beautiful ode to the game we love.

Jay: We have questions which deserve honest answers.

— Hockey Out of Context (@nhloutofcontext.bsky.social) 2025-01-27T19:18:07.419Z

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the revolving door that is the crease for the Avs so far this season, they discuss the state of goaltending in the NHL in general, they review the numbers that make Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon some of the top players in the game today, and they deliberate about the future of The Captain with the team and in hockey. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #152 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you for tuning in, friends!

Some of James and Jay’s favorite things they wanted to share with you:

James:

NHL.com’s December 12 story on the drop in save percentage during the last few seasons.

The equipment manager for the Grand Rapids Griffins cares for the team’s equipment and much, much more in his role. Here’s the story from The Athletic/The New York Times.

Jay:

Marc-Andre Fleury’s final regular season visit to Pittsburgh was not short on feels. “Not only is that respect, but that’s just flat out love for The Flower.”

Question of the show: Would you rather have a great power play, or a great penalty kill. Both is not an option. Head over to any of our socials to weigh in.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the offseason, they discuss this year’s lineup and lineups of the future, and they break down what the salary cap allows, and doesn’t allow, the Avs to do. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #151 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks for supporting The AHP and welcome to the 2024-25 season!

Things to click on:

The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons chimes in on the state of the Leafs and the Avs, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Valeri Nichushkin too.

The Denver Gazette’s Mark Kiszla hints at last season, and any non-Stanley Cup winning season, being a waste. James and Jay give their thoughts on this take in the show.

Mikko Rantanen snapped his stick in half after that play pic.twitter.com/qICHrVasxa

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 1, 2024

We sure do love it when the Moose shows off his Moose strength every once in a while.

Me on defense if I saw Mackinnon skating at me even though he’s 70 feet away pic.twitter.com/bn2cgMxEEb

— Heatdaddy (@heatdaddy69420) April 22, 2024

Playing defense against Nathan MacKinnon be like…

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay break down the Avs players who did Avs things this season, they preview the first round matchup against the Jets, and they talk about the Avs riding the injury train yet again. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #150 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks very much for joining us. It’s playoff time!

Favorite hockey things for you to enjoy:

From James: Goaltender shenanigans from back in the day. Always entertaining.

From Jay: Chris Kreider no longer has use for that puck.

Chris Kreider's 300th career goal was disallowed so naturally he threw the puck back onto the ice pic.twitter.com/hFA6Vx8mYv

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 30, 2024

From James and Jay: Congratulations to the University of Denver Pioneers for winning their NCAA best 10th hockey championship in their history.

Magic #MFrozenFour x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/ggNOXP2ear

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 14, 2024

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In this podcast James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the new look of the team following the trade deadline, who’s hot and who’s not, and they say a fond farewell to some now former Avs. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #149 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks for your support, Avs friends!

James’ favorite hockey things since the last show:

Jagr Bobblehead Giveaway Postponed: 25,000 Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads are nowhere to be found. Going to be interesting to see where the story goes from here.

5 on 5 Goalie Madness: They know how to party in Bellingham, Washington. This sounds awesome. Here’s the link to a Reddit post as well.

Jay’s favorite hockey things since the last show:

Where are you going, Bo?: Bo Byram’s debut on Buffalo’s PP1 almost needed the Benny Hill theme music over the top of it. If you’re on X make sure to read the comments as well. Some great stuff in there.

Patrick Roy is a man of the people: Patrick Roy makes sure to take care of the fan behind the Islanders bench who is wearing a vintage Patrick Roy Avalanche t-shirt. Good hockey stuff.

“Chill, fellas.” – Big Z, probably: Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar punish a Canucks player while trying to dislodge a puck that’s actually 150 feet away. Welcome to the league, kid.

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss some of the many strange things that have happened so far this season, players getting back into the lineup as the team gets healthier, and Nathan MacKinnon bringing the noise in historic fashion. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #148 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Happy 2024 All-Star break, friends!

James and Jay’s favorite hockey things since their last show:

James: NPR documented a rookie goaltender’s journey in professional hockey. Part one is here and part two is here.

There HAS to be cleaner places to wash your mouth guard, but oh well.

Jay: The Condor returns to Ball Arena on December 13, 2023

EJ got emotional talking about his time in Colorado. pic.twitter.com/w2XbZjqBxf

— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) December 13, 2023

The jersey isn’t as important when you’re family. pic.twitter.com/iornsF7nMs

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) December 14, 2023

Welcome back, EJ pic.twitter.com/KYvinfr5Kk

— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 14, 2023

Now that I have a bit better Wi-Fi, here’s the full Erik Johnson ovation, complete with a round of “EJ! EJ!” chats. pic.twitter.com/0JdsYSKych

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) December 14, 2023

Nathan MacKinnon gets us to love him even more with this pass.

Throws hat at computer screen.

First hat trick for O'Connor!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2d1eboANjF

— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 20, 2024

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay break down the first quarter of the season, they discuss some of the recent roster changes, and they also appreciate Cale Makar doing all the hockey things. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #147 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks very much for joining us, Avs fans!

James’ favorite hockey thing since the last AHP: Ten-minute misconducts all around.

"And then every player on the ice has a 10-minute misconduct" pic.twitter.com/K3M78EdO29

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 28, 2023

Jay’s favorite hockey thing since the last AHP: It’s fun when an equipment manager gets an assist.

Pete Rogers Supremacy pic.twitter.com/6qC28PshoM

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) October 22, 2023

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the upcoming season along with commenting on many of the newer and more seasoned faces on the roster. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #146 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you very much for joining us for season number 17 of The AHP!

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In this season-ending podcast James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the series against the Kraken, they discuss what next season’s team may look like, and James solves all the problems with questionable hits and suspensions too. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #145 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you for yet another great season, friends.

This hit, early in game three, earned Cale Makar a one game suspension.This hit by Jordan Eberle, late in the second period of game six, broke a vertebrae in Andrew Cogliano’s neck and earned Eberle a two-minute minor penalty for boarding.

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba presented longtime fan Isaiah with a full scholarship to law school.

Isaiah, a survivor of the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, also got to exchange phone numbers with Trouba.

: @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/18QNe8xJ6K

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 14, 2023

This is the good hockey stuff.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay mention what grinds their gears on broadcasts, they preview the upcoming playoff series against the Seattle Kraken, and they discuss that maybe, finally the team may be mostly out of a season-long injury hole. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming up in episode number 144 of The AHP. Thank you for joining us, friends!

Nathan MacKinnon’s hat trick and four points overall led the team to a game 82 victory and another Central Division title in Nashville on April 14, 2023.Was looking to share Mikko Rantanen’s Avs record 55th goal this season, but why watch only one goal when you can watch all 55?James and Jay got to discussing the largest trade in Avs/Quebec history. Here’s a link to much of the Eric Lindros trade tree that impacted and shaped the future of the Avalanche organization for years and years to come.

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the seemingly endless stream of injuries this season, they review the new destinations for some familiar names, and James rudely triggers Jay on purpose. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #143 of the Avs Hockey Podcast. It was us you were looking for, friends.

A TJ Galiardi mention means a post of him getting hit in the stuff. It’s tradition.

A very unique sequence in Colorado.

Mat Barzal was being called for a trip on Cale Makar.

Makar signaled to the Referee that he fell on his own, causing the ref to change the call to no penalty.

Something I’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/S28IPJ5moE

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) December 20, 2022

December 19: Cale Makar once again puts his arrogance on full display against the Islanders.Here’s is Linus Ullmark’s goal he scored on February 25. This is mentioned in this show.Also mentioned in this show, from the same game as above, Wes McCauley drops Brad Marchand in the corner.And it’s never a bad time to revisit Ilya Bryzgalov’s best quote (of the many he had.)

When the stars align.#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ZX11d2YC2W

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 26, 2023

LOC has perfected this pass and this team seemingly has this play down.

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss ALL the injuries, they recap a few of the games since their last show, and they fondly remember Peter McNab. Those topics and whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming up in episode #142 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks for listening, friends.

The Altitude and KSE family are saddened to announce the passing of our friend, Peter McNab. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and the McNab family asks for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. pic.twitter.com/fdnQ9zD1dL

— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) November 6, 2022

We will always miss you, Pete.Frankie said relax on November 17. What a performance.Mikko Rantanen put on a show in St. Louis on December 11.

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In the first show of the 2022-2023 season, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about big names leaving the organization as well as big names sticking around, big players dealing with injuries, and they discuss how defending the Stanley Cup has gone so far this season. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff […]

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In this show James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay revisit the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, they wrap up a championship season, and they also discuss what next season’s team could look like. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in this legendary episode (#140) of The Avs Hockey Podcast. The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club […]

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In this (in AHP terms) historic podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the Blues and Oilers series, they revisit the exhaustive list of playoff hockey clichés, and they make absolutely no predictions because everyone knows exactly what we want to see happen in the Stanley Cup Final. Those topics and much more Avs […]

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay recap the first round matchup against the Nashville Predators, they discuss the difference between some rest and possibly too much rest, and they also highlight the potential keys to the second round series against the St. Louis Blues (after watching game one.) Those topics and much more […]

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss playoff keys and hopes, they break down the importance of Mikko Rantanen and Devon Toews, and they also briefly mention the standard click bait that’s now available pretty much everywhere. Those topics and a whole lot more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #137 of The […]

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about Cale Makar’s greatness according to us (as well as his teammates), who should and who shouldn’t be dropping the gloves to protect their teammates, and they also break down the moves the Avalanche made at the trade deadline. Those topics and much more Avs and […]

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about goaltenders stepping up, a great stretch of hockey for our favorite NHL team, and they discuss the “merits” of the NHL All-Star Game. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #135 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks for […]

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss a never boring month of Avalanche hockey, two gorgeous overtime game winning goals, all-star players (and a coach too), and Jay shares some seriously smokin’ hot takes. Those topics and plenty more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #134 of The Avs Hockey […]

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In this podcast James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about all the players who stepped up big when Nathan MacKinnon went out, Nazem Kadri’s best stretch of play as a member of the team, a heathy (and spectacular) Cale Makar, and the current list of injuries that’s WAY too long. Those topics and much more […]

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In this podcast James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss a depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup, players testing the limits of player safety, and Avalanche jersey style details. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #132 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Hang in there, friends. Things will get […]

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about new arrivals to this year’s team and departures from last year’s squad, the importance of roster depth, and they make absolutely no predictions about the upcoming season (while obviously hoping things turn out great.) Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode […]

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In this podcast James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the transition from four games of pure delight to six games of “What the?”, they discuss who performed and who didn’t perform for the Avs during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, and they look ahead at what the Avs roster may look like in the […]

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In this show, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about four good games of ice hockey, they expound upon Nazem Kadri’s game two hit on Justin Faulk (as well as the subsequent suspension), and they also check in on Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you […]

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay preview the first round Stanley Cup playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, they talk about players stepping up at the right time, and they even throw in some rec league softball talk. Those topics and a whole bunch more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you […]

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In this show James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss one big game, some big (and old) additions to the roster, a big month by the big line, and there’s some appreciation shown for the two big guys who run a lot of this team. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #127 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. It’s Stanley Cup playoff time once again, Avs fans. #GoAvsGo!

Watch Donkey GO OFF against the Coyotes on March 31. Nathan MacKinnon probably lost any chance he had to win back to back Lady Byng trophies with this outburst, but either way it was really great. The MacKinnon helmet toss reminded James of this bout between Scott Parker and George Parros in 2007 for obvious reasons. Conor Garland isn’t having a whole lot of fun against the Avs this season. James and Jay talk about the chemistry between Joe Sakic and Jared Bednar in this show. We are grateful for this. Columbus is a different place to play right now.

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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the game in Lake Tahoe, who is currently hurt, healthy, stepping up big time, who is backing up Philipp Grubauer, and that time when Tim Peel said the quiet and agreed upon part out loud, while mic’d up. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #126 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thank you for downloading our show. We appreciate your support!

The outdoor game in Lake Tahoe has quite the storyline. It was anything but boring. “Oh boy.” This hit by Joachim Blichfield had the hockey world buzzing for a bit. We’re happy Nathan MacKinnon only missed limited time. This could have been way worse.

GoAvsGo have a +133 Shots on Goal differential over their last 6 games.

That is the 3rd largest margin in a 6-game span in NHL history.

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 20, 2021

The Avalanche have played some historically dominant hockey as of late and we’ve all got time for that.

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In this show James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss the triumphant return of Your Home for Almost Everything Avalanche, jersey changes, how Nathan MacKinnon is in need of much attention, and we share some very special news with you. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #125 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. It’s good to be talking to you again, friends. Thank you for your patience.

NHL Uniform Database gives us a look at the uniform changes for the Avs this season.

Here are the jersey schedule details from the Avs themselves.

Our jersey schedule is pretty nice if you ask us. #GoAvsGo https://t.co/lgdPScimg4

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 28, 2021

NBCSN will be shutting down at the end of 2021. Details here.

The Avs are good and they’re young too. This will be good to keep in mind as this season progresses.

Youngest average age:
1. Rangers
2. Devils
3. Blue Jackets
4. Avs
5. Senators

Oldest:
1. Capitals
2. Red Wings
3. Sharks
4. Stars
5. Golden Knights

— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) January 28, 2021

Super Dave Osbourne hits the bridge. One time.