Stars Fall in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Colorado Avalanche opened their 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on April 19 at American Airlines Center, seizing a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series.

First Period: Defensive Standoff

The opening period saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither side able to break through. Dallas notably killed off a 5-on-3 Avalanche power play for 1:24, buoyed by strong penalty killing from Esa Lindell and company.  Goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood (Colorado) and Jake Oettinger (Dallas) each made several key saves to keep the game scoreless.

Second Period: Avalanche Strike First

Colorado broke the deadlock midway through the second period. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring at 9:30, following up his own shot and redirecting the rebound off his shin pad past Oettinger. The play was reviewed for a potential kicking motion but was upheld as a good goal.

Later in the period, a double-minor high-sticking penalty on Dallas’ Roope Hintz gave Colorado an extended power play. Nathan MacKinnon capitalized at 16:38, his shot deflecting off Dallas defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and into the net, doubling the Avalanche lead to 2-0.

Third Period: Avalanche Pull Away

Dallas responded early in the third. Roope Hintz tipped in a Thomas Harley point shot on the power play at 6:45, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and igniting the home crowd. However, Colorado quickly regained control. Devon Toews restored the two-goal cushion at 12:56, finishing a backdoor feed from Josh Manson.

With Dallas pressing late, MacKinnon sealed the game with his second goal, an empty-netter at 16:52. Charlie Coyle added another just 11 seconds later, finalizing the 5-1 scoreline.

Goaltending and Special Teams

Mackenzie Blackwood, making his NHL playoff debut for Colorado, delivered a standout performance with 23 saves, conceding only on a screened power-play deflection. Oettinger stopped 19 of 23 shots for Dallas.

Special teams played a pivotal role: Colorado went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Dallas converted once on three opportunities.

Game Statistics

Key Performers

• Nathan MacKinnon (COL): 2 goals, 1 assist

• Artturi Lehkonen (COL): 1 goal

• Devon Toews (COL): 1 goal

• Charlie Coyle (COL): 1 goal

• Roope Hintz (DAL): 1 goal

• Mackenzie Blackwood (COL): 23 saves

Series Outlook

This marks Dallas’ eighth consecutive loss in Game 1 of a playoff series since 2022, continuing a troubling trend under head coach Pete DeBoer. The Stars, who ended the regular season on a 0-5-2 skid, will look to regroup for Game 2, set for Monday night in Dallas before the series shifts to Colorado.

Colorado, meanwhile, showcased the depth and playoff experience that fueled their 2022 championship run, with new additions such as Blackwood making an immediate impact.

The series resumes with Dallas aiming to even the score and Colorado seeking to build on their early momentum.