MacKinnon scores two, Blackwood sensational as Avalanche win 5-1 to open playoffs

It was a close game throughout, until Colorado scored three goals in just over four minutes to hand the Dallas Stars a brutal defeat.

Home ice advantage didn’t amount to much.

The Colorado Avalanche smashed the Dallas Stars on Saturday night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at American Airlines Center with a 5-1 victory. They now lead 1-0 in their best-of-seven series.

In what was a closely contested matchup throughout the game, the Avs held onto a 2-1 lead late in the third period until they stepped on the gas and embarrassed their adversaries, scoring three goals in just over four minutes, forcing droves of Stars fans to head for the exits.

Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals, including the game-winner. Artturi Lehkonen, Devon Toews, and Charlie Coyle also scored for Colorado. And in his first-career Stanley Cup playoff game, Mackenzie Blackwood was outstanding, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced.

On the other side of the ice, Jake Oettinger stopped 19 of 23 shots. Roope Hintz scored the lone goal for Dallas on the power play.

First Period

Mason Marchment and Wayne Johnston were penalized early on for tripping Cale Makar, putting Colorado on a 5-on-3 power play. However, Dallas killed off the penalty.

With 12:11 left in the period, Josh Manson was sent to the box for bear-hugging Matt Duchene, who responded by throwing Manson down to the ice.

After the Avalanche killed off that penalty, their first line tried to get something going. Marty Nečas and MacKinnon attempted to link up on an opportunity, but Oettinger turned them away.

With less than seven minutes remaining, the neck-and-neck action continued. Dallas tried to get their breakout going, but their passes were often intercepted. Nichuskin also tried to get creative with the bank pass, but Dallas was first to the puck just past the blue line.

Colorado nearly took a 1-0 lead with 1:32 left on the board, but Nichushkin was just a hair late on the rebound, and Oettinger scooped it up in the nick of time.

At the end of 20 minutes, the game remained scoreless, and Colorado held the advantage in shots on goal (11-8).

Second Period

Colorado went on the PK for the second time early on in the second frame when Ryan Lindgren shot the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty.

With 10:30 remaining in the period, Lehkonen broke a scoreless tie when he punched in a rebound to give the Avalanche a 1-0 lead. Officials reviewed the goal to determine whether Lehkonen made an intentional kicking motion, and the goal was confirmed to be legal. Lehkonen technically did make a kicking motion, but it was after he was checked from behind. It was a very fortunate bounce and call on Lehkonen’s first goal in 17 games.

Dallas made a big mistake when Hintz was given a four-minute double minor for high-sticking with 4:40 left in the frame when he nailed MacKinnon in the nose behind the Colorado net. There was a brief delay as officials met while the medical team wiped blood off MacKinnon’s face and plugged his nose with tissues.

A little blood was no problem for MacKinnon, who scored on the power play to give the Avalanche a 2-0 lead.

Third Period

To start, 12:56 into the third, Toews found the net when he redirected a shot from Manson to give Colorado a 3-1 lead. Manson wristed one from the point, and Toews was in prime position for the backhand tip-in, an absolutely sensational goal.

Dallas subsequently decided to pull Oettinger with over three minutes left in the game, which was unusually early. We saw why that typically isn’t performed, as MacKinnon scored on the empty net. Charlie Coyle added another insurance marker 11 seconds later to seal the deal.

Ross Colton

Ross Colton exited the game after sustaining an injury. He played just 7:04 and had one shift in the third period. In the post-game press conference, Jared Bednar confirmed that Colton suffered a lower-body injury but had no further updates. We should have more information about his status by tomorrow.

Takeaways

The guys we expected to play well did their job, but there were also a ton of surprises. Blackwood had such a rough finish to the regular season that some even questioned whether it was a smart idea to have him start this game. It also seemed during practice that he was still struggling, and backup Scott Wedgewood was showing him up in some aspects. Perhaps Blackwood read into what was being said on social media because, from the start of this game, this man chose violence. This was a Blackwood that we haven’t seen in several months. This was MasterClass material from the former 42nd overall pick.

MacKinnon was also on the receiving end of adversity when he was high-sticked in the mouth by Hintz. There wasn’t a lot of blood, but enough that he needed medical attention. While most people would be on the ground crying for help, MacKinnon couldn’t wait to get back on the ice. Within moments, he scored on the power play to give the Avalanche the lead. When you have a guy like that leading your team, it pushes everyone else to exhibit that same mental toughness and the grit that comes with being a championship team. Speaking of toughness, you think that’s the end of it? Just wait until Gabriel Landeskog is ready. This is only the beginning. The Avalanche made a statement tonight.

Next Game

Game 2 of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs takes place Monday as the Avalanche carry a 1-0 series lead against the Stars at American Airlines Center. A win for Colorado would give the Avalanche even more momentum as the series heads back to Ball Arena for Game 3. Puck drop for Game 2 is at 7:30 p.m. local time.