The Second Round series between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche shifts to Denver for Game Three tonight at Ball Arena. The two teams split the games in Dallas, hence bringing this series to the Mile High City at one game a piece.
It is all to play for between these two powerhouse teams in the Central Division. Colorado was in this situation last series against the Winnipeg Jets and put on a show for the Avs faithful. They’ll be looking for a similar effort tonight in what should be a rowdy Saturday night crowd.
Colorado Avalanche (5-2-0)
The Avs fell last game 5-3 against these Stars. Once again, they fell behind early and this time, could not crawl themselves out of a hole as they did in Game One. 4-0 proved to be too big of a deficit.
While they missed out on bringing a dominant 2-0 series lead home, there shouldn’t be too much concern if you’re an Avs fan. If they play as they did in the third period in Game Two consistently, they have the upper hand in this series.
While Jonathan Drouin isn’t quite back to full health to make his first playoff appearance this season, they did get Joel Kiviranta to return last game, where he scored against his former team. Can he help Alexandar Georgiev to victory, with better performances from Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen?
Projected Lines
Valeri Nichushkin (13) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Casey Mittelstadt (37) – Zach Parise (9)
Miles Wood (28) – Ross Colton (20) – Joel Kiviranta (94)
Andrew Cogliano (11) – Yakov Trenin (73) – Brandon Duhaime (12)
Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Sam Girard (49) – Josh Manson (42)
Jack Johnson (3) – Sean Walker (26)
Alexandar Georgiev (40)
Dallas Stars (5-2-1)
Dallas taking Game Two was crucial to evening up this series, rather than losing both of their first home games once again as they did last series against the Vegas Golden Knights. They used special teams to their advantage, not letting in any power-play goals and going 2-for-5 on the man advantage themselves.
They also tallied a shorthanded goal, which ended up being the game-winner for Tyler Seguin. The depth of the Stars showed last game, as they had their way in the first two periods, particularly Roope Hintz with a goal and three assists.
But, the team altogether will be looking to play 60 full minutes and not let the Avs back into games if they go ahead again. Jake Oettinger was class in the final period and all game long frankly, can they steal back a home game from the Avs and take their first series lead?
Projected Lines
Jason Robertson (21) – Roope Hintz (24) – Logan Stankoven (11)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Joe Pavelski (16)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Evgenii Dadonov (63) – Sam Steel (18) – Craig Smith (15)
Thomas Harley (55) – Miro Hiskanen (4)
Esa Lindell (23) – Chris Tanev (3)
Ryan Suter (20) – Nils Lundkvist (5)
Jake Oettinger (29)
Broadcast Details
Time: 8:00 p.m. MT
Watch: TNT, truTV, Max, Sportsnet, TVAS
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio FM 92.5
Opponent’s Beat: Defending Big D