The Dallas Stars delivered a resounding performance in Game 5, dominating the Colorado Avalanche with a 6-2 victory, propelling themselves to a 3-2 series lead. Wyatt Johnston was pivotal, scoring two goals, while Mikko Rantanen contributed a goal and two assists. Despite a strong push from the Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon, who scored, and Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado fell short. Key moments included a costly penalty by Sam Malinski that shifted momentum back to the Stars, reviving their three-goal advantage before the second period ended.

Now, Colorado faces elimination in Game 6, needing to channel their best efforts to stave off an early exit from the playoffs. Captain Gabe Landeskog acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need for a resilient mindset and a strategic response to the Stars’ aggressive play. The pressure mounts for the Avalanche, who must overcome their recent struggles against a formidable Dallas team that has proven effective on the road.

The Colorado Avalanche's postseason woes deepened as they succumbed to the Dallas Stars 6-2 in Game 5 of their first-round series. A key moment was a dubious high-sticking call against Avalanche's Josh Manson, initiated by Jamie Benn's dramatic fall, which helped Dallas maintain their lead. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, previously solid, faltered with an unfortunate goal just nine seconds into the game and struggled throughout, leading to his replacement by Scott Wedgewood. The Avalanche’s disarray was evident early on, with Nathan MacKinnon losing track of an opponent, which led to one of the fastest postseason goals in Dallas history. Colorado's defensive lapses and Blackwood's mistakes were too significant for the team to overcome.

Nathan MacKinnon showcased his elite skills during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Dallas Stars, contributing significantly to the Colorado Avalanche's offensive efforts. He assisted on an Artturi Lehkonen goal and scored another, marking his 68th career playoff assist, making him the Avalanche's third all-time leader in this category. This milestone surpassed Mikko Rantanen, with only Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg ahead of him. Despite MacKinnon's impressive performance, the Avalanche fell short, losing 6-2, and now trail the series 3-2, as they head back to Ball Arena for Game 6.

Home teams have dominated the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs with a 19-8 record so far, setting the stage for an exciting Game 4 of the Battle of Florida. The Tampa Bay Lightning, after losing forward Brandon Hagel to suspension due to a major penalty, will look to bounce back against the Florida Panthers, who lead the series 2-1. Matthew Tkachuk's impressive performance for the Panthers has been crucial, while Jake Guentzel's stellar play continues to shine for the Lightning, evidenced by his three points in Game 3. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are locked in a fierce battle, tied 2-2. Nathan MacKinnon, with 52 career playoff goals, is on the verge of breaking into the franchise's all-time top three. Game 5 promises to be pivotal for both series as teams strive for momentum heading into the crucial later stages of the playoffs.

Gabe Landeskog's journey back to the ice has culminated in a remarkable playoff resurgence, showcasing why he remains a pivotal player for the Colorado Avalanche. After nearly three years recovering from multiple knee surgeries, Landeskog not only returned but became a key performer in the playoffs. In a recent game, he helped the Avalanche secure a vital 4-0 win, scoring and assisting in the process, proving he still has what it takes despite his lengthy absence.

His performance has left teammates and fans in awe. Nathan MacKinnon noted Landeskog's ability to seamlessly integrate back into the team dynamic, likening his return to a mere month off. With impressive on-ice metrics, including dominating shot attempts when he plays, Landeskog's impact is undeniable. His ability to elevate the team's performance, including working effectively with Brock Nelson, has rejuvenated Colorado's playoff hopes.