Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Gazette, Avalanche reinforcements incoming, creating offense with defense, lineup decisions for Bednar, Colorado's leadership, MacKinnon and Makar, Alexandar Georgiev

Bench rising to the occasion, anticipating adjustments for Game 2, KCP back to ol' reliable, Jokic banged up but nothing serious, takeaways after opening weekend, Denver's defense

Minnesota's worst game of the year last night, can't manufacture urgency, KCP a perfect fit for Nuggets starting lineup, focus and attention to detail allowed Denver to make it difficult for Minnesota, Jamal Murray doing all the little things to get offense going, Christian Braun vs Kyle Anderson

Patrick Everson on betting the NBA and NHL playoffs, Vegas overlooking the Nuggets? Bucks and Suns favorites in East and West respectively, Avalanche injuries not impacting their title odds

Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette, very important postseason for the Nuggets, Jamal Murray's season of rehabilitation, rookies contributing in meaningful games, non-Jokic minutes during playoffs

J.J. Jerez of Hockey Mountain High, Gabriel Landeskog's absence, minimal losses in regulation, line combinations that will thrive in playoffs, Lars Eller is a playoff performer, importance of tonight's contest vs Preds, home ice advantage

Golf, Oilers goaltending duo, best two top lines in the NHL, Georgiev consistently reliable this season, power play, getting healthy while hot, Edmonton star-power

Jokic will be back to peak form for Game 1, Christian Braun's emergence as an important rotation player, trusting Reggie Jackson or Ish Smith or Peyton Watson, no concern about starters, MVP conversation and distraction can be left in the regular season

Nuggets bench keeps it close vs Suns in Phoenix, Denver talented enough to make a deep run, if a tree falls at The Masters, Thomas Bryant can't get off the bench, Denver needs a vocal leader aside from Malone