Avalanche Stave Off Elimination with Game 6 Victory over Stars

In a dramatic showdown in Denver, Nathan MacKinnon’s go-ahead goal with 10:56 left on the clock helped the Colorado Avalanche secure a 7-4 win, delaying their elimination at the hands of the Dallas Stars. With the series now tied, the decisive Game 7 will take place in Dallas on Saturday.

The winning play saw MacKinnon attempt a pass into a crowded area in front of the net. Sam Steel of Dallas tried to clear it, but it deflected off Colin Blackwell’s shoulder and drifted past the reach of goaltender Jake Oettinger, whose attempt to catch the fluttering puck with his glove was in vain.

Valeri Nichushkin was a standout performer for Colorado, scoring twice—one of which was the equalizer with 13:58 left in the game. Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas also contributed with goals, while Josh Manson and Cale Makar capitalized on an empty net. In addition, Makar, MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, and team captain Gabriel Landeskog each provided two assists. Mackenzie Blackwood was a wall in goal, making 22 critical saves to push the series to Game 7.

Dallas coach Pete DeBoer boasts a perfect 8-0 record in Game 7 situations. Meanwhile, the Avalanche aim to break the spell of their last six Game 7 losses.

By clinching this win, Colorado averted a repeat of last year’s scenario, where they were defeated by Dallas in a home Game 6 during the second playoff round. Last season, their playoff run ended in a heart-pounding double overtime finish, courtesy of former Avalanche player and current Stars forward Matt Duchene.

The Stars had a powerful response in the second period of Game 6, rallying from a 2-0 deficit with four goals. Leading the charge were Finnish players Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen. Hintz notched two goals and two assists, while Rantanen added a goal and three assists against his former team, making them the first teammates ever to record four points each in a playoff period, as per NHL Stats.

In addition, Finnish teammate Mikael Granlund also found the back of the net during this key period. Despite Oettinger’s impressive 41 saves, the Avalanche outshot the Stars, 48-26.

A frightening incident occurred in the second period when Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel lost control and hit the boards with Jack Drury close behind. After taking a moment to recover, Bichsel was assisted to the bench but returned to play in the third period.”