The Colorado Avalanche were the laughing stock of the NHL last season.  Not only was it their worst season since moving to Colorado and one of the worst in franchise history, but it was one of the worst in NHL history.

This season started off slow for the Avalanche, but after trading Matt Duchene, Colorado has been stellar, so much so that they are in a playoff thanks to a ninth-straight win Saturday afternoon.

Who would have thought that after the season they had last year and no massive changes to the team, the Avalanche would not only have a winning record, but be in a playoff spot at this point in the season?

We could have never imagined this run in our wildest dreams, but it's been a fun one and the Avalanche have been dominant over the course of this winning streak, so in honour of the streak, here are nine insane facts about it:

1. Longest In The League This Season

With their win against the Rangers, the Avalanche now have the longest winning streak in the NHL this season and can extend the streak Monday night in Toronto.

2. Cup Coincidence?

The last time the Avalanche went on a winning streak like this, they won the Stanley Cup.  Sign of things to come?

3. 9-game Point Streak for Nate

Nathan MacKinnon is also on a hot streak of his own.  The 22-year-old has 19 points over his 9-game point streak and he's scored a goal in five consecutive games.

4. MacKinnon for Hart and Art Ross?

It looked like Nikita Kucherov might run away with the Hart and Art Ross Trophy, but MacKinnon is right behind him.

A goal and an assist Saturday put MacKinnon two points back of Kucherov for first place in the NHL and if he continues to dominate and leads the Avs to the playoffs, it's going to be hard not to give him the Hart.

5. Bernier's Been Ballin'

The Avalanche are going to have a tough decision to make when Varlamov gets back because Bernier has been incredible to say the least.

6. Goal Scoring Clinic

The Avalanche have outscored their opponents 37-14 over their 9-game winning streak.

7. Home Sweet Home

The Avalanche are one home win away from setting a new record since moving to Colorado for most consecutive home wins.  Their two wins away from setting a franchise record in that category.

8. Coming Into His Own

21-year-old Mikko Rantanen has been dominant on the top line with MacKinnon and Landeskog.  During his team's nine-game winning streak, Rantanen has recorded 15 points.

9. Team Never Trail

The Avalanche have jumped out to a lead in every game over the win streak and they have never looked back, which is impressive to say the least.