Avs Take Control in Game 4, Down Stars 4-2
The Colorado Avalanche faced off against the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of their playoff series on Tuesday night. The Avalanche secured a critical 4-2 victory, putting them one win away from advancing to the next round with a commanding 3-1 series lead. For the Stars, this loss adds mounting pressure as they look to keep their season alive.
How the Game Unfolded
The first period set the tone for an exhilarating night of hockey. Early in the game, the Avalanche struck first at the 8-minute mark with a brilliant wrist shot from Nathan MacKinnon, catching Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger off guard. The Stars responded quickly, leveling the score less than five minutes later with a savvy deflection from Joe Pavelski on a power play.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged opportunities, with Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen making several intense drives to the net. However, the second period shifted momentum dramatically as the Avalanche showcased their depth. With just under six minutes left in the middle frame, Cale Makar unleashed a laser beam from the blue line, regaining the lead for Colorado.
The Stars struggled to gain traction, unable to convert their chances into goals, while the Avalanche capitalized, making it 3-1 just before the second intermission with a goal from Artturi Lehkonen. The night’s third period was filled with tension and opportunities as Dallas ramped up their efforts, but a crucial goal by Nazem Kadri late in the period sealed the game for Colorado, despite a late power-play goal from Roope Hintz for Dallas.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
One of the game’s defining moments came midway through the second period. After Makar’s goal, the Avalanche seemed to find a rhythm that Dallas struggled to match, emphasizing the importance of offensive pressure. Dallas needed to respond but found itself pinned. The Avalanche’s penalty kill, consistently strong, thwarted numerous power-play opportunities that could have shifted momentum back to the Stars.
Coaching decisions also played a pivotal role. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar deployed a more aggressive forecheck that disrupted Dallas’ offensive flow. Meanwhile, Stars head coach Rick Bowness was forced to juggle line combinations in hopes of generating chemistry, ultimately failing to spark the energy needed to overcome Colorado’s momentum.
Standout Performances
Nathan MacKinnon was electric, leading the Avalanche with a goal and an assist, while Cale Makar showcased why he’s considered one of the league’s premier defensemen with a goal and constant offensive pressure. Goalie Darcy Kuemper was solid in net, finishing with 28 saves and a few key stops that thwarted Dallas during moments of desperation.
On the Stars’ side, Joe Pavelski’s power-play goal highlighted his veteran presence, and Roope Hintz’s late goal kept the game within reach. Jake Oettinger, despite the scoreline, delivered a commendable performance with 31 saves. However, inconsistencies in front of him ultimately let down Dallas in critical moments.
Series or Playoff Context
With this win, the Avalanche now has a firm grip on the series, leading 3-1. If Colorado can take Game 5, they will advance to the conference semifinals, proving dominant at home and away. For the Stars, the urgency is palpable; they must secure a win to extend the series and regain home-ice advantage, which is crucial in playoff hockey.
The pressure dynamics have shifted. Colorado, riding high on confidence, knows they can close out the series at home. Meanwhile, Dallas faces the daunting task of overcoming their struggles to force a Game 6. Each game is magnified, and with every defeat, the stakes grow exponentially.
What Comes Next
The teams will reconvene for Game 5 on Thursday at the Ball Arena in Denver. The Avalanche will undoubtedly aim to leverage their aggressive game style while looking to maintain their power play’s effectiveness. On the other hand, the Stars must make adjustments—perhaps refining their offensive strategies and discipline to avoid costly penalties.
As the tension builds, eyes will be on how each team approaches this pivotal moment.
What adjustment should the losing side focus on before Game 5?
