The Colorado Avalanche extended the season as much as they could by fighting valiantly. In game six, it was an attrition struggle, but in game five, they turned things around. In an attempt to keep up with the Dallas Stars for the Cup, Colorado would push them to double OT. Zach Paise, who had declared he would retire at the conclusion of the playoffs, was trying to continue his NHL career. For the first time in the whole series, the Avalanche got right into the game tonight and scored first. These are the lessons I learned from the Dallas Stars’ 2–1 double overtime loss.
It’s clear that the Avalanche struggled to get the puck out of the zone once more. This was an issue that I had brought up in game four, but it became much more problematic in the first overtime. The Avalanche officially had four shots on goal in the first overtime. Dallas had twelve scoring opportunities compared to their seven. The Avalanche were having trouble getting the puck out of their own zone as it was getting deeper. Colorado would spend more than two minutes in their own zone during the first overtime.
— Throughout the entire game, the Avalanche did not have more than ten shots on goal. They were certainly not shooting like a team that finished fifth in the league with an average of 33 shots per game. Colorado was not reaching the goal. Furthermore, they were unable to keep the puck in the offensive zone for any length of time. They were only able to generate nine shots on goal in a session. Dallas tormented Alexandar Georgiev for significant stretches of the night.
The Avalanche was kept in the game by Georgiev. Georgiev had to hustle to cover the net because of several errors made by the defending core. Despite Dallas’ prolonged shifts, he would hold the Stars scoreless in the first overtime period. The Avalanche were exactly in need of his.949 save percentage. Unlike earlier in the season when he appeared nervous, he was cool and collected in the crease.
You may throw all the blame for this series’ defeat on Valeri Nichushkin, but Colorado had to move on at some point. In the fifth game of the series, it was made clear that they had done so. Was it unexpected by them? Yes, but Jared Bednar, the head coach, stated he didn’t want to use that as a justification. It’s time to focus on the future now. The salary cap situation facing the Avalanche is distinct. The uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Landeskog’s situation, the possibility of Nichushkin’s return, and the unrestricted free agents they attempt to retain. In the upcoming months, we shall know the answers to these inquiries. Meanwhile, take it easy, unwind, and heal.