Young Avalanche Seeking Consistency : November 30, 2011

The Colorado Avalanche remain one of the youngest teams in the NHL, and their inconsistency this season is reflective of that. It is not to say that every young team...

colorado avalanche History

The National Hockey League (NHL) team the Colorado Avalanche is based out of Denver, Colorado. The team plays in the Western Conference's Northwest Division. The Avalanche has won two Stanley Cups, in 1995-1996 and again in 2000-2001. Originally the franchise was established as the Quebec Nordiques. In 1995 the team moved to Colorado. The original NHL franchise in Denver was the Colorado Rockies, who played there from 1976 through 1982. They then relocated to New Jersey and became the Devils.

During the team's first 10 seasons playing in Denver the Avalanche made the playoffs each year and won their division eight times. In 2007, their streak was snapped. The Avalanche are the first and only team in the history of the NHL to win a Stanley Cup the year that they relocated. In 1995-1996, the Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers in four games to win their first Stanley Cup. In 2000-2001, the Avalanche won their second Stanley Cup when they defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games.

From 1995-1996 through 1998-1999, the home games of the Avalanche were played in McNichols Sports Arena. They have played since then at Pepsi Center. From 1996 through 2002 the Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings had a fierce Western Conference rivalry. In the seven years they met five times during the playoffs.