Matt Duchene was taken third overall in the NHL entry draft. (Bill Boyce/Associated Press)

Rookie centre Matt Duchene already has some tales to tell as he enters the second week of his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche.

The Haliburton, Ont., native has an assist through his first two NHL games. Colorado, which finished last in the conference last season, has surprised hockey observers by defeating Western heavyweights San Jose and Vancouver by a combined score of 8-2.

"I think we're just going day by day," the teen told Hockey Night in Canada Radio on Tuesday. "We've got great leadership from Adam Foote, our captain — and we've had many team meetings about how we're going to approach the year and how we're going to stay together as a team.

"I don't we think we believe we're not going to win games and we're almost stubborn that way and I think it's helping us," he added.

Before Duchene's very first game, Colorado honoured longtime captain Joe Sakic, who retired in the summer after a career of two decades.

"That whole experience, being my first game and being able to see my idol's jersey and number retired was just incredible," said Duchene.

Duchene, 18, was selected third overall by Colorado in the NHL entry draft, behind John Tavares (New York Islanders) and Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay).

He scored 79 points in his second season with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League in 2008-09, adding 26 more in 21 playoff games.

Colorado decided to start the season with both Duchene and 18-year-old Ryan Reilly, drafted from the Erie Otters of the OHL.

"He's so good positionally out there, I think that's why he's been able to do what he's done and have the success he's had so far up here with the team," Duchene said of his roommate.

Colorado can keep the junior-eligible players up to 10 games before the first year of their pro contract kicks in.

The Avalanche return to action on Thursday in Nashville.