Game Two Breakdown: Avalanche vs. Stars
Game One between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars ended with a 5-3 victory for the Stars, evening the series after a dramatic finish where Dallas blew a three-goal lead. Let’s take a look at how Game Two unfolded:
First Period Evenly Matched
The first period saw both teams battling it out with very little offense generated. The Stars managed to capitalize on a powerplay opportunity with defenseman Miro Heiskanen scoring on a one-timer. Although the Avalanche had few scoring chances, goaltender Alexander Georgiev made some great saves to keep his team in the game.
Second Period Dominated by Stars
Early in the second period, Roope Hintz extended the Stars’ lead with a goal off a well-executed play. Dallas added to their lead with another goal on the powerplay, and then scored short-handed to make it 4-0.
Third Period Comeback Effort by Avalanche
The Avalanche mounted a comeback in the third period, scoring three goals to cut the Stars’ lead down to one. Despite Colorado pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker, Dallas sealed the win with a late empty-net goal from Esa Lindell.
The Avalanche fell short of scoring more than three goals for the first time this postseason, as the Stars’ penalty kill was effective in shutting down their powerplay. Special teams play was a key factor in the outcome of Game Two.
Although veteran forward Joe Pavelski has yet to score a goal in the playoffs, he continues to contribute to the team in other ways. With Pavelski looking to break out of his scoring slump, the Stars will be hoping for his offensive production to pick up in the coming games.
