Colorado Rolls Panthers in ’96 Cup Rematch... Kinda.

Six different players score as Avs triple up Cats

Beating the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions is always something you can hang your hat on. Until someone else wins it, the Florida Panthers still own the two most recent titles, and they deserve the respect that comes with it.

But after Colorado’s 6-2 dismantling of the Panthers on Thursday night at Ball Arena, the win didn’t carry quite the same weight. Florida has been decimated by injuries since training camp, and the hits have kept coming through the first two-plus months of the regular season.

Now, this isn’t like beating the 1998 Florida Marlins or the post-dynasty 1999 Chicago Bulls, but taking down Florida by four goals with most of their top-tier talent missing and a backup netminder in the crease does take a little shine off it.

Still, you play who’s on the schedule. And every time the Avalanche take the ice, they have a very good chance of winning, regardless of who’s on the other side.

Thursday was a national showcase for fans who don’t get to watch this team regularly. Highlights and social media clips can give you a glimpse, sure. But when you get to see the Avs play a full 60, it’s a different thing entirely.