Whenever Valeri Nichushkin exits the Avalanche lineup, Jared Bednar is reminded of Colorado’s record discrepancy with and without the big man. No one has said a word to him about it over the last three weeks.

That’s because this time it just didn’t matter.

Nichushkin returned to the lineup Tuesday in Colorado’s 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, playing a key role in the first goal for the Avalanche. They’re certainly better off with him playing, but the fact they not only survived without him, but thrived, is a sign of how different this year’s group is.

The Avalanche went 7-0-1 without Nichushkin during his eight-game absence. That’s a little bit different when you compare it to their record without him in the lineup between the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons: 59-50-7. An incredibly average record, and a record Bednar was all too familiar with, so what makes this year’s team so different?

“Depth (and) healthy around him,” Bednar said. “We like the lines that we have and the depth that we have. Back ends been solid and healthy and goalies have been playing good, so I think it’s a little bit of everything, but overall I think it’s the health and depth of our team.”

The team hasn’t really been completely healthy at any point this season, but that’s also a testament to the depth that this group has. Logan O’Connor, one of the more important bottom-six forwards on the team, hasn’t suited up for a game and seems to be a ways away from returning. It hasn’t mattered.

Gavin Brindley, who is out with a lower-body injury, has been a pleasant surprise up front. Zakhar Bardakov has slowly been improving on the fourth line. Ross Colton is playing his best hockey in an Avalanche uniform. Victor Olofsson has been a nice find. Brock Nelson seems to have figured out how to play in the Avalanche system.

And, yes, the return of Gabriel Landeskog makes a huge difference. The captain is really heating up with seven points in his last four games.

This Avalanche team might just be as good as their record says they are. If they’re good enough to thrive without a unicorn like Nichushkin, they might just have the secret sauce needed to go all the way.

Avalanche 3, Canucks 1

What happened: The Avalanche took control of the game in the second, outshooting the Canucks 12-5 and scoring both goals in the middle period.

What went right: Nathan MacKinnon called the game against the Canadiens “hell” for him, as he was under the weather. He still wasn’t feeling great on Tuesday, but no team has shown the ability to slow him down, healthy or ill. His two goals give him 22 on the season and he’s on pace for 69 on the season.

What went wrong: Scott Wedgewood exited the game in the second period with what the team is calling an upper-body injury. Bednar said after the game that Wedgewood’s back started to tighten up so they pulled him to be safe. He’s expected to travel on the road with the team.

Avalanche goal scorers: MacKinnon (21,22), Nelson (9)

Canucks goal scorers: Karlsson (5)

Between the pipes: Scott Wedgewood started the game, stopping 10 of the 11 shots he faced before leaving. Mackenzie Blackwood relieved him and stopped all 10 shots the Canucks sent his way.

What’s next: The Avalanche hit the road for four games, starting on Thursday when they take on the New York Islanders at 5 p.m.