DALLAS — The Colorado Avalanche take on the Dallas Stars once again for game two of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On Saturday Colorado beat the Stars 5–1 in a brutal physical battle. The victory gave the Avalanche their 16th win in the last 20 away games. If Colorado can pull out the win on Monday, history is on their side. When the franchise has gone up 2–0 in a series, the Avalanche have a 17–4 series record. Dallas is not an unfamiliar foe. The two met three times in the regular season with Colorado getting the best of the Stars.

Colorado Avalanche (1-0)

The Avalanche will need to use their speed and physical game to their advantage early. In game one, they did not turn the up physical play until the second period. That is when they started outplaying the Stars in almost every aspect of the game. If the Avalanche continue to barrel to the net, it will make Jake Oettinger uncomfortable in the net. Artturi Lehkonen’s second period goal is an example of that. Colorado had their depth contribute, which will be a key factor through the playoffs. Logan O’Connor registered two assists in game one, his first multi-point playoff game of his career.

Projected Lines

Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Martin Necas (88)
Jonathan Drouin (27) – Brock Nelson (11) – Valeri Nichushkin (13)
Joel Kiviranta (94) – Charlie Coyle (10) – Logan O’Connor (25)
Parker Kelly (17) – Jack Drury (18) – Jimmy Vesey (26)

Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Ryan Lindgren (55) – Josh Manson (42)
Samuel Girard (49) – Erik Johnson (6)

Mackenzie Blackwood (39)
Scott Wedgewood (41)

Dallas Stars (0-1)

The Dallas Stars needed to play closer to their identity. They are a team that has depth and skill throughout their entire lineup. It is a constant bombardment of offensive power through all four lines for Dallas. Unfortunately, the speed and physical play of the Avalanche shut them down. MacKenzie Blackwood, appearing in his first career playoff game, was a bit frustrating for the Stars as well. Blackwood would only allow one goal on 25 shots and to put up a .958 save percentage. The goalie, coupled with the physical play, threw the entire Stars off their game plan.

Projected Lines

Mikael Granlund (64) – Roope Hintz (24) – Evgenii Dadonov (63)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Oskar Back (10) – Sam Steel (18) – Mavrik Bourque (22)

Esa Lindell (23) – Cody Ceci (44)
Thomas Harley (55) – Ilya Lyubushkin (46)
Lian Bichsel (6) – Alex Petrovic (28)

Jake Oettinger (29)
Casey DeSmith (1)

“They’re a fast team, they’re really good in transition,” said Jack Drury of the Avalanche. “They’ve got some really talented players that we have to watch out for. And they’re physical too. It’s a good team. I think it was a hard-fought Game 1. The score probably didn’t indicate how tight of a game it was, so we have to be ready for game two.”

Game Details

Time: 7:30 p.m. MT

Watch: ESPN, Altitude 2, Altitude+, Victory+, SN360, TVAS-D

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM