Will the Colorado Avalanche Survive Game 5 against the Dallas Stars?
By David Crum
Airing on ESPN tonight at 8:00 pm ET, the Dallas Stars seek to end their series matchup against the Colorado Avalanche with a win at home.
The Stars won 5-1 over the Avalanche in Denver on Monday, leading the series 3-1.
The Colorado Avalanche are not living up to their potential
Three Colorado Avalanche players are among the top ten in postseason points for the 2024 playoffs. The trio of players, Cole Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and Nathan MacKinnon, each have twelve points.
The Dallas Star closest in rank is Miro Heiskanen, who is No. 11 in total points.
Why are the Avalanche, with their three-star players, being outperformed by the Dallas Stars?
Look no further than Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. Oettinger is tied for fourth in the NHL playoffs with a GAA of 2.02 and ranks fifth with a SV% of .923.
Yet Miro Heiskanen is playing his part, too. He is tied as No. 2 in total points as a top defender in the NHL playoffs.
Logan Stankoven, a rookie sensation, has taken the lead in the playoffs among first-year players, earning an impressive five points and two goals.
While the Avalanche might have a more experienced and deeper roster, the combination of good goaltending and respectable numbers from Heiskanen and company has positioned the Stars as the favorite to win the series.
What must the Colorado Avalanche do to avoid getting eliminated in game 5?
The Colorado Avalanche have a talented, experienced playoff roster. Expect Nathan MacKinnon to show up and play his heart out. MacKinnon, a league super-star, won't back down and surrender easily.
Regarding the playoffs, the Avalanche have an extensive postseason background and the ability to thrive despite adversity. Veteran experience is crucial in postseason play, and the Avalanche must depend on their seasoned leaders to avoid elimination.
All eyes will be on MacKinnon and fellow stars Cole Makar and Mikko Rantanen. However, the odds are not in their favor, as Dallas appears to be on the verge of reaching the conference finals.