In the NHL Playoffs, patterns start to emerge throughout a series and playoff run. This was no different in Game Three of the second-round battle between Dallas and Colorado. Every NHL team is designed differently with unique skill sets that can cause chaos to their opponents’ game plans if operating correctly. Right now for Peter DeBoer’s Dallas Stars, a familiar pattern is emerging, and that chaos is becoming the model that is leading them to success.
On the other hand, the former Stanley Cup champion Avalanche will need to figure things out in a hurry. In all three contests in this second-round playoff matchup. The Avs have found themselves chasing the game late just like they have been forced to all series. It worked out well in Game One, however, not so much in the second contest in Dallas as Colorado was unable to finish the comeback attempt.
Game Three featured a very familiar story to those who have been locked into the first two contests of the series. Dallas obtained a lead while Colorado attempted to scale that comeback mountain yet again. Trailing late with the home crowd urging them on could Colorado pick up the win and avoid conceding home-ice advantage back to Dallas following Game Three?
Dallas Road Warriors In Game Three
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Dallas bench boss Peter DeBoer was happy with the composure that his club displayed in Game Three last night in the face of strong adversity. The esteemed coach has seen the situation before. He knew the stats. The best home record battling a premier road team. But Coach Peter knew something that almost no one else besides him could. The coach knew his team’s character would appear as they were handed stiff tests. Last night, the Stars were certainly tested.
Colorado never truly got the crowd back into the game following a late first-period goal from Dallas. Mikko Rantanen tied the game at one each at the halfway point of regulation time. The Avs were threatening again when Stars’ goalie Jake Oettinger denied Rantanen again to keep the score level. Tyler Seguin scored a few moments to re-establish the Dallas lead, 2-1, heading into the second intermission.
The Avalanche attempted to rally late once again in Game Three. The Stars would deposit two pucks into the empty net to put the finishing touches on a 4-1 road victory in Denver. Logan Stankoven and Tyler Seguin each finished with 2 goals for Dallas.
Stopping Nathan MacKinnon At Home…In This Economy?!
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Nathan MacKinnon was the most electric player in the NHL this season when skating on the frozen floor surface at Ball Arena. The Avalanche captain had a 35-game home point streak that was ended during the season. The term mind-boggling does not even begin to describe the insanity of that statistical output. Yet, the Dallas Stars found a way to limit the Avalanche captain to just one assist in Game Three.
It is certainly not for a lack of effort from #29 in the Blue and Maroon-colored jerseys in Game Three. Dallas has simply been that good defensively as they are taking time and space away from MacKinnon, as well as Rantanen.
Perhaps more concerning for head coach Jared Bednar is the negative plus/minus rating for the captain over the last two outings. The Stars are scoring with MacKinnon on the ice as evidenced by his -2 mark in Game Three. The Dallas Stars have shut down MacKinnon as he has been limited to just three points over 3 games in the second round. For context, MacKinnon had 2 points in 4-out-of-the-5 games in the first round against Winnipeg.
For Colorado to turn the series around, they will need more offensive production from their All-Star pivot, starting with Game Four.
Game Four on Monday Night
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With the final buzzer sounding on Game Three, all eyes in the series now turn towards Game Four on Monday night still in the same rocking rink as Saturday evening’s contest, Ball Arena. The Dallas Stars will be looking to tighten the chokehold if they can manage another victory in the Rockies. Colorado will have their championship dreams significantly compromised if they are unable to squeeze out a win in Denver.
Either way, grab another bag of that popcorn from the panty and throw it in the microwave for a late-night snack. This series has been an excellent tug-of-war battle between two really good teams, and we have at least two exciting meetings remaining!
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With a varied professional background that includes an M.B.A. in Sports Management from Tiffin University, Chris can speak with authority on the subject matters that he covers. Additional insightful sports articles can be located here.
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