The much anticipated first-round matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars has finally arrived. A lot of predictions have been made and there are many pundits who feel that the eventual Western Conference champion will come from the winner of this series.
The Avalanche lineup is as healthy as can be, and their depth showed in Game 1. Though the Avalanche had to survive a few flurries from the home team, they managed to walk out of Dallas’ building on Saturday night with an impressive 5-1 victory. These are the most important takeaways.
Mackenzie Blackwood Was the Difference-Maker the Avalanche Hoped For
The Avalanche have a lot of impressive pieces and, if the good news is to be believed, could have another one on the way if and when Gabriel Landeskog returns in this series. We all know about the big names throughout the Avalanche lineup, but the difference-maker in Game 1 was goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.
Despite doubts about his playoff readiness (this was his first career playoff start, after all), Blackwood quickly showed why his acquisition was such a big one. He turned aside 23 of 24 shots on the night, including one with his hip that eventually led to the third Avalanche goal.
The Avalanche made the most of their opportunities, but they had the lead late because Blackwood was lights out in his own end. Only when he lost his stick was he compromised, but he was otherwise perfect against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
The Avalanche Took Advantage of a Major Issue for Dallas
Though the Avalanche deserve all the credit for winning Game 1, there is an issue Dallas is facing that could alter a playoff bracket or two. We all knew Miro Heiskanen would miss some time in this series, but the Stars being without star winger Jason Robertson was a big blow as well.
Related: 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
It is unclear how long he will be out in this series, but his absence was notable in Game 1. The Stars struggled to create chances with consistency and Robertson is arguably the best forward on the team.
The Avalanche must make the most of these absences. The scales have tipped in their favor and what would have otherwise been a completely evenly-matched series has now swung. We aren’t quite sure when either Robertson or Heiskanen will return, so the Avalanche need to take advantage of those key absences while they can.
Nathan MacKinnon Still Deserves “Best in the World” Consideration
Nathan MacKinnon slowed down over the last month of the season and eventually sat out the last few games. The rest did him good, because he came out fired up in Game 1 and deserves as much credit as Blackwood for his performance.
MacKinnon tallied two goals and added an assist while peppering Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger with six shots en route to the win. MacKinnon had that familiar explosiveness, pushing the pace of the play and making it a challenge on the Dallas defenders each time he came down the ice.
Space on the ice comes at a premium in the playoffs, but MacKinnon dominated. He is the straw that stirs the drink, and the Avalanche will go a long, long way if he continues to perform at the top of his game.
Carry the Momentum Into Game 2
This is as optimal a result as the Avalanche could have hoped for. The 5-1 score is a little deceptive as it was a close game until late in the third period. The Avalanche were largely the better team but had to survive a flurry in which Blackwood had to be outstanding in order for them to boost their lead.
In the playoffs, games often reset but this could be a chance for the Avalanche to take momentum with them. Such a definitive win on opposing ice is huge, and the Avalanche should come into the building for Game 2 with their heads held high.
