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.

Nathan MacKinnon showcased his playmaking and scoring prowess as the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Dallas Stars 5-1 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. MacKinnon was involved in both of Colorado's unusual goals in the second period, scoring on a deflected shot and assisting on Artturi Lehkonen's goal, which was validated after a review. The Stars, who suffered their eighth consecutive series opener loss under coach Pete DeBoer, saw their playoff struggles continue. Colorado's Devon Toews scored to extend their lead before MacKinnon's empty-net goal sealed the game, marking his 50th career playoff goal.

Despite a strong season, the Stars ended the regular season with a disappointing 0-5-2 streak, struggling to capitalize on early leads in their games. Game 2 is set to take place in Dallas, where the Stars will look to bounce back and avoid falling into a deeper hole against a formidable Avalanche squad. MacKinnon's performance not only highlighted his critical role for Colorado but also showcased the potential impact of the Avalanche's mid-season trades, including the acquisition of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 23 saves in this match.

The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are set for an intense playoff series, with both teams showcasing elite talent. The Avalanche, buoyed by potential returns from key players like Gabriel Landeskog, face a Stars squad that has struggled with injuries, particularly to defenseman Miro Heiskanen. While the Avalanche possess a robust forward line led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, Dallas counters with its own firepower including Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin. The goaltending matchup is pivotal; Jake Oettinger’s playoff experience contrasts with Mackenzie Blackwood’s lack of playoff games. Special teams may also play a crucial role, as Colorado boasts a superior power play while Dallas excels in penalty killing. Insights suggest that the Avalanche, despite some inconsistencies this season, have the edge in momentum heading into the series.

As the NHL regular season winds down, Jon Irvin shares key DFS picks for today's main slate on FanDuel and DraftKings, emphasizing the importance of identifying undervalued players. With most playoff spots secured, Montreal is critical for a win against the struggling Blackhawks, making players like Brendan Gallagher pivotal for success. Irvin focuses on maximizing value in goalies, suggesting Jake Oettinger for his high save volume against a less threatening Detroit, and highlights centers like Barrett Hayton, who boasts strong metrics despite not finding the back of the net consistently.

Irvin also recommends stacking Montreal forwards, including Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, for upside potential, while emphasizing the strategic value in targeting players on teams with playoff stakes. His approach is grounded in detailed metrics and recent performance trends, allowing players to identify favorable matchups and capitalize on them in their lineups.

With the playoffs in sight, the Dallas Stars are on a mission, and Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the need for a strong finish to clinch the Central Division title. After a shaky start in a recent game against the Nashville Predators, the Stars rallied for a decisive 5-1 victory, marking their seventh consecutive win. The standout player was goalie Jake Oettinger, who made critical saves to keep the Stars in contention.

Oettinger was pivotal, stopping 28 of 29 shots, showcasing his elite form, especially with 17 saves in the first period alone. The Stars' offense came alive in the second half of the game, with key contributions from Mikael Granlund and Mason Marchment among others. With Jamie Benn out due to injury, the team demonstrated resilience and depth, essential traits for a championship run.