The Colorado Avalanche stunned the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their playoff series, claiming a decisive 5-1 victory on the road. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, making his playoff debut, was exceptional, stopping 23 of 24 shots, while Dallas' Jake Oettinger struggled, allowing five goals on 30 shots. Blackwood's performance earned him praise from Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who highlighted his ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively throughout the match.

Despite limited experience, Blackwood's composed play shone as the Avalanche capitalized on late-game opportunities, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes. Stars coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the difference in depth between this year's Avalanche team and last year's, noting Blackwood's critical role in their enhanced competitiveness. For Dallas, the focus now shifts to bouncing back in Game 2, drawing on their past playoff experiences to regain momentum in the series.