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| Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon (29), Jonathan Drouin (27), Devon Toews (7), Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Cale Makar (8) react after Makar scored a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, top, during the third period in Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Dallas. |
The Avalanche face the Stars on Friday in Game 6, trailing Dallas 3-2 in their second-round playoff series. Here are three keys for Colorado to keep their postseason alive at Ball Arena.
Power up
Good luck beating Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger at even strength. He’s been solid behind a tactically sound defensive structure. The surest way to keep this series alive is a thriving power play. The Avs scored two PPGs in Game 1 and Game 5. Capitalizing on Dallas penalties could be the difference between forcing Game 7 or a deflating second-round playoff exit. The Avs must also play clean.
Find a way
It’s getting repetitive to say that Colorado would greatly benefit from scoring first. That’s obvious. But the Avalanche seem truly content playing from behind if the flow calls for it. They won’t panic if Dallas once again takes an early lead in Game 6. You probably know coach Jared Bednar’s mantra by now: “The only score that matters is the one at the end of the night.” The Avs live and breathe that philosophy.
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