Daily Cupcakes: January 5th, 2017

Colorado Avalanche

Former Bandit Cale Makar lighting it up at the World Juniors. Former Brooks Bandit defenceman making a splash with Canadian team. [CBC]

Nathan MacKinnon’s resurgence has Avalanche in surprising fight for playoff spot. [NBC Sports]

Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon in NHL MVP discussion. Colorado Avalanche center says his career-best season started to come to life. [Journal-Advocate]

Pepsi Center will provide open captioning after settling class-action lawsuit. [USA Today]

Avalanche podcast: Milan Hejduk talks about his upcoming jersey retirement ceremony. The former Avs great also discusses the current state of the team. [The Denver Post]

The Rest of the Game

IIHF president Fasel says he needs NHL players in 2022. [Sportsnet]

Panthers-Bruins postponed by winter storm in Boston. Date, time for rescheduled game to be announced later. [NHL]

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin on pace for 8th 50-goal season at age 32. “I’m not 25 years old or 20 years old who’s trying to reach that kind of milestone,” Ovechkin said, “but if I did it, it would be pretty sick.” [The Star]

Sweden beats USA, advances to world junior gold medal game. [Toronto Sun]

Breaking down the five best forward lines of the NHL’s first half. [Sportsnet]

Free NHL All-Star Fan Events. [NHL]