2025 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Avalanche - Round 1 Recap

In the 2025 NHL Playoffs, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche faced off in a thrilling seven-game first-round series. The Stars ultimately emerged victorious, clinching the series 4-3 and advancing to the second round against the Winnipeg Jets.

Game-by-Game Recap:

• Game 1 (April 19, 2025): The Avalanche dominated with a 5-1 win, propelled by Nathan MacKinnon's two goals and an assist. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves to secure the victory for Colorado. YouTube

  
  

• Game 2 (April 21, 2025): Dallas bounced back with a 4-3 overtime win, evening the series at 1-1. Colin Blackwell scored the decisive goal in OT. Reuters

  
  

• Game 3 (April 23, 2025): The Stars took a 2-1 series lead with a 2-1 victory, showcasing strong defensive play and goaltending.

  
  

• Game 4 (April 26, 2025): Colorado responded with a commanding 4-0 shutout, tying the series at 2-2.

  
  

• Game 5 (April 28, 2025): Dallas regained the lead in the series with a 6-2 win, capitalizing on offensive opportunities and special teams play.

  
  

• Game 6 (May 1, 2025): The Avalanche forced a Game 7 with a 7-4 victory, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon's go-ahead goal and two goals from Valeri Nichushkin. FOX Sports

  
  

• Game 7 (May 3, 2025): In a dramatic finale, Mikko Rantanen led the Stars with a third-period hat trick and an assist, propelling Dallas to a 4-2 comeback win and securing the series. NHL.com

Coaching Excellence:

Pete DeBoer (Dallas Stars Head Coach): With the Game 7 victory, DeBoer improved his career record in Game 7s to 9-0, the best in NHL history. Reuters

Special Teams & Scoring Trends

Power Play Efficiency: The Avalanche struggled on the power play early in the series, going 0-for-8 over three games. However, they capitalized on both opportunities in Game 5, scoring two power-play goals. theScore.com

Scoring Surge: The series saw a total of 39 goals, with a notable increase in offensive output in the final two games, which accounted for 19 goals combined. 

The series was marked by momentum swings, standout performances, and high-intensity play, exemplifying the excitement of playoff hockey.