Colorado Hockey Team, Avalanche, Takes Ice in Latest Match
Get ready for a high-stakes showdown at American Airlines Center, as both the Avalanche and Stars gear up for Game 7 with their eyes set on adding another 13 victories to their season tally. One team is already on a winning streak, yet oblivious to it, while the other seeks to etch its name in the annals of the NHL. Here's what it'll take for Colorado to claim victory:
1. Overcoming the Past
The victor of Game 7 will likely become a Stanley Cup contender. The loser, on the other hand, may find itself remembered as one of the NHL's "what could have beens." The pressure is on, and for the Avalanche, the added weight comes from an unsettling history. Since 2002, the Avs have lost six straight Game 7s, a streak they're eager to break. Nonetheless, this core group of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabe Landeskog, and their contemporaries have never tasted the sweet taste of Game 7 victory. They've been defeated four times by MacKinnon, three by Makar, and never won a series together when they didn't hold a 3-0 or 3-1 advantage.
2. Breaking Through the Defense
In the past two postseasons, the Stars have made it challenging for the Avs to score high-danger goals. During last year's six-game series, Colorado managed 63 high-danger opportunities at 5-on-5. However, in the first two games of this series, they recorded only 17. But the tide is turning; the Avs have produced at least 15 in each of the past four games, with 19 in Game 4 and 21 in Game 7. To seal the deal in Game 7, Colorado will need to push harder for those high-danger chances against the Stars' relentless defense.
3. Maintaining Discipline
Whistle-related controversies have been a talking point in this series for both sides. The Avalanche weren't pleased with the officiating in Game 5, while the Stars' coach criticized the referees unprovoked after Game 6. Game 7s are renowned for their unpredictability, but taking unnecessary penalties early on will only serve to excite the home crowd and create problems for the Avs.
4. A Star's Turn for Mackenzie Blackwood
Saturday night marks the start of Mackenzie Blackwood's Game 7 narrative. He shone brightly in the series' opening four games, but stumbled in Game 5. His response was less than convincing, particularly in the second period. But, in Game 6, he made a crucial save to preserve a 5-4 lead, keeping the team's hope alive. On the other side, Jake Oettinger has excelled in this series and boasts three outstanding Game 7 performances under his belt, including a pair of wins with just one goal allowed each. It's now Blackwood's time to etch his name in the annals of the NHL.
For the Avs, this Game 7 represents not just another game, but an opportunity to break free from their shackles of the past. It's their chance to etch their names in history and silence their critics. Will they rise to the challenge, or will the Stars snatch victory yet again?
- The policy of breaking the Avalanche's history of losing Game 7s in the NHL since 2002 will be crucial for Colorado to claim victory in the Stanley Cup contest.
- In the realm of politics, the Stars' defense has been an obstacle for the Avs in scoring high-danger goals, but it's the Sport of hockey that demands Colorado to push harder for those opportunities in Game 7.
- Maintaining discipline in Game 7 is pivotal for the Avalanche, as taking unnecessary penalties could potentially lead to a home crowd advantage and create unforeseen problems. Meanwhile, the NHL has faced criticism for the officiating in this series, with both teams expressing frustration.
