Weekly Cupcakes:

Colorado Avalanche

Sans Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche returned from nine-day hiatus to prepare for road trip. [Denver Post]

Avalanche players on the rise. [The Hockey Writers]

Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen confident in second-half surge: “I can be even better”. Rantanen details recovery from ankle ligament damage, expectations as top-paid Avs player. [Denver Post]

Drury named general manager of 2020 U.S. national team. Former NHL center, current Rangers executive held same title in 2019. [NHL] Goalies gone wild: Looking back at the most memorable NHL goalie fights. [The Score]

NHL

Duchene confident Predators can make playoffs with current roster center says he doesn’t believe changes are necessary before NHL Trade Deadline. [NHL]

What is the best rivalry in the NHL today? [Sportsnet]

NHL investigates Coyotes for prospect testing. [TSN]

NHL coaching carousel seems as volatile as ever. [Toronto Star]