Next-Day Observations From Avs' Latest Gem Of A Win

Avs really are playing their best hockey of the season right now, plus Three Best Bets for tonight

That was another great win for the Avs last night, and now they are just two points back of the Dallas Stars for tops in the Central Division - with two games in hand.

Some of the finer points of the Avs’ game right now I’m noticing:

• J.T. Compher’s vast improvement in winning faceoffs. While he’s still under 50 percent (48.9%), he’s winning more draws in key situations. That game against Edmonton, where he won a big defensive zone draw in overtime and won one back to Mikko Rantanen for the game-winner, are two examples.

• Here’s some more stats: Compher won 15-of-25 draws last night (60%) and his 1,207 draws overall rank fifth in the NHL.