NHL

Hard hits, overtime heroics, and a league that never gets enough credit — NHL coverage from two reporters who actually watch the third period.

NHL

Two Goals Erased, One Point Saved: Jim Balz on the Avalanche Shootout Loss to Dallas
ByJim Balz October 15, 2026October 15, 2026

Look, I’ve watched a lot of hockey. Harry says it’s too much and that it’s cost me two relationships and a houseplant. But I’ve rarely seen the Avs outplay a team for most of a night and then have to beg the shootout gods for mercy. The gods said no. Wednesday’s Avalanche shootout loss was…

Read More Two Goals Erased, One Point Saved: Jim Balz on the Avalanche Shootout Loss to Dallas
NHL

Are the Avalanche Unstoppable? Necas, MacKinnon Bury the Blues 6-1 and I’m Booking the Parade Route
ByHarry Balz October 4, 2026October 4, 2026

Two games, two blowouts and 14 goals. Are the Avalanche unstoppable? Calm down, Jim, it’s October. But I’ve seen enough to make my call, and my call is yes. Colorado has scored 14 goals in sweeping its season-opening two-game homestand. The opener set a franchise mark too. Colorado’s eight goals on Wednesday set a franchise…

Read More Are the Avalanche Unstoppable? Necas, MacKinnon Bury the Blues 6-1 and I’m Booking the Parade Route
Colorado | Harry's Hot Takes | NHL

MacKinnon Drops the Gloves, Avs Drop Eight: Harry Balz Says the Rest of the NHL Should Be Nervous
ByHarry Balz October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

Folks, I’ve watched a lot of opening nights. I’ve watched my brother Jim pick the Kings to “steal one in Denver” on our pregame show. Once again, I’ve watched him be wrong in front of a live audience. And I’m telling you, Wednesday night at Ball Arena was something special. Nathan MacKinnon’s two goals and…

Read More MacKinnon Drops the Gloves, Avs Drop Eight: Harry Balz Says the Rest of the NHL Should Be Nervous
Colorado | From The Hairy Times | NHL

Avs October Schedule: Harry Wrote First, I Write Better
ByJim Balz October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

My brother Harry Balz put up a new post over on our main site, Sports by the Balz. It’s the Avalanche talk you’d expect from him, and he got it published before me. I’ll give him that, since being first is about the only contest Harry wins in this family.

Read More Avs October Schedule: Harry Wrote First, I Write Better