The Avalanche are off to a soaring start this season, even if they pretend they're nothing more than an average NHL team.

"We're playing like we're a .500 hockey team and not a 14-2 team. That's the key," Matt Duchene said. "You stay grounded and you stay humble and hungry."

Semyon Varlamov stopped 33 shots and Nick Holden scored his first NHL goal to break a second-period tie, giving the Avalanche a 4-1 win over the Capitals on Sunday night.

The Avalanche are off to a franchise-best 14-2 start under new coach Patrick Roy.