The Colorado Avalanche’s season comes down to one game. The Avalanche will take on the Dallas Stars in Game 7 of their opening-round series on Saturday night at the American Airlines Center, with more than just a ticket to the second round on the line.
These two clubs have delivered in this series, making it everything we thought it would be. I had picked the series to go the distance at the outset of the NHL playoffs, and we have gotten there.
It was hard to pick either team winning in five or six games. Both clubs are so good that a seven-game showdown seemed like the only logical outcome to what has been an evenly-matched series.
Both teams have won lopsided games, and we’ve also had tight-checking, overtime thrillers.
That being said, the Colorado Avalanche could have won this series in five games. But the bounces didn’t go quite as expected. So, seven games were needed to settle the score in this first-round matchup.
But there’s more than just a Round 2 ticket at stake on Saturday night. Whoever goes home will face a summer of question marks. For Dallas, a first-round exit would be crushing as they were picked to win the Cup by many.
For Colorado, a summer of nit-picking could lead to some significant changes. After overhauling the crease and spending big time on trade dealing acquisition, a first-round exit could mean a change behind the bench might be a possibility.
Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, here. But think about it. If the Avalanche don’t make it past the Stars, what other changes could be made to help the club get back to the Stanley Cup Final?
Well, that’s a discussion for another day. In the meantime, the Avalanche must focus on winning Game 7 and worry about the offseason when they get there.
No major changes expected for Colorado Avalanche lineup in Game 7
As I’ve said before, the Colorado Avalanche are a case of not fixing something if it ain’t broke. The Avalanche will likely roll with the same lineup as they did in Game 6. The most interesting shift being Gabriel Landeskog on the second line.
I didn’t think Landeskog would make it to the top six this fast, but he’s physically up to it and looking like he hasn’t missed a beat.
Personally, fatigue is something that concerns me at this point. Landeskog hadn’t played in nearly three seasons, and his rehab stint wasn’t nearly at the intensity that this series has demanded. Of course, he deserves kudos for being a tough customer, but you have to wonder at what point fatigue could become a factor.
I suppose that’s something that may pop up on the radar screen if and when the Avs make it beyond the second round.
For now, Gabe Landeskog has proven he’s the heart and soul of this club and could be just what the team needs to pull out a decisive Game 7 victory on Saturday night.