Wed. Apr. 8: Avs clinch No. 1 seed in Western Conference | Nuggets vs. Grizzlies tonight | Coach Prime’s Spring Game proposal

This episode of Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl celebrates a pivotal night in Colorado sports, highlighting the Avalanche's clinching of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the Nuggets' strong push toward securing the No. 3 seed in the NBA playoffs. The hosts break down the Avalanche’s dominant performance against the Blues, emphasizing their defensive discipline and goaltending excellence, particularly from Mackenzie Blackwood, while expressing confidence in their Stanley Cup aspirations. They reflect on the team’s franchise records in points and road performance, noting that even with all their success, a failure to win the Cup would be a major disappointment given their talent and depth. The discussion shifts to the Nuggets, who are on the verge of securing a favorable playoff path after a string of wins and key victories by other teams. The hosts analyze the Nuggets’ upcoming matchup against a depleted Memphis Grizzlies squad, stressing the importance of a strong start and avoiding a late-game collapse. They also explore Deion Sanders’ proposal for a spring game between Colorado and Colorado State, debating its feasibility due to portal concerns and rivalry tensions, while acknowledging its potential as a revenue and development opportunity. The episode closes with a nostalgic and spirited debate over college football versus basketball championships, with Goodman favoring football’s tradition and volume of games, and Haertl championing basketball’s sustained excitement and playoff drama.