The Colorado Avalanche have looked dominant in each of their wins against the Dallas Stars in this postseason. From a 5–1 blowout in Game 1 to a suffocating 4–0 shutout in Game 4, Colorado has dictated the terms when they win. And though they dropped Games 2 and 3 in overtime heartbreakers, the Avs have shown resilience — bouncing back with authority rather than folding under pressure.
Through four games, Colorado has trailed for just 1 minute and 40 seconds total — a far cry from last year’s frustrating second-round exit, where the Avalanche seemed constantly behind and out of rhythm. This year, the roster is healthier and deeper. Captain Gabriel Landeskog is back. Valeri Nichushkin is in the lineup. The goaltending situation is improved. This is a new Avalanche squad, and they’ve been the better team so far.
Unexpected Heroes Emerge
Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead with four goals and an assist through four games, but he’s not alone at the top of the points leaderboard. Tied with him is none other than Logan O’Connor, who’s playing the best hockey of his life. O’Connor has matched his career playoff point total (10) in just four games this series.
As fun as it was to joke about O’Connor winning the Conn Smythe, every championship team needs an unexpected contributor. If he keeps this up, he’s more than a feel-good story — he’s a difference-maker.
Behind them are Jonathan Drouin and Samuel Girard, each with three points. Drouin’s bounce-back from last season’s health challenges is great to see, and Girard’s growth into an indispensable blue-line presence has been one of the season’s most underappreciated narratives.
Landeskog, in just two games, has made a massive impact — not just on the scoresheet but in front of the net and in the locker room. His presence changes the energy on the ice in a way stats can’t quantify.
Stars Still Waiting to Shine
What makes Colorado even more dangerous? The stars who haven’t hit their stride yet.
Cale Makar, one of the best playoff defensemen in the NHL, has just two assists so far. But he looked fully locked in during Game 4, even if the stat sheet didn’t reflect it. Makar is averaging over a point per game in his playoff career (82 points in 76 games). It’s only a matter of time before he breaks out.
Same goes for Valeri Nichushkin, who had nine goals in just eight playoff games last year before his suspension. He’s off to a quiet start this postseason, but the potential is there for a game-breaking run.
Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Nečas both had career-best regular seasons, but have combined for just three points in the series. They’re too talented to stay cold for long, and their reemergence could be the edge Colorado needs in a tight series.
Attitude Will Carry Them
The Avalanche didn’t just win Game 4 — they overwhelmed Dallas. Colorado fired 48 shots on goal, showing the kind of relentless offensive pressure that wins playoff series.
They likely won’t replicate that shot total on the road, especially on the questionable ice in Dallas. But the attitude that fueled that barrage — shooting with volume, crashing the net, hunting rebounds — is the blueprint for Game 5.
Dallas got greasy goals in Game 2 and turned poor ice conditions into an advantage. The Avs can learn from that. Combine Colorado’s raw firepower with a gritty, puck-hungry mentality, and they’ll be hard to beat.
A Best-of-Three Awaits
This series is now a best-of-three, and the Avalanche have momentum, depth, and untapped potential on their side. They’ve outplayed the Stars more often than not — and with key players like Makar, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, and Nečas ready to erupt, the best may be yet to come.
