Skip to content

Sporting Analysts Perspectives

In the clash between Avalanche and Stars, Game 3, the Avalanche inexplicably disrupted Gabe Landeskog's comeback, resulting in a 2-1 overtime loss to Dallas, according to Sean Keeler's account.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read

Sporting Analysts Perspectives

Rewritten Article:

It's high time the Colorado Avalanche shake off their post-game funk. After a nail-biting, 2-1 loss in Game 3 of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars, the pressure is on for the Avs to bust out of their rut.

"We need to step up our game," Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog remarked following the defeat. "Our power play was a bit sluggish, execution-wise, and we'll sort that out."

With dwindling time on the clock, every second counts. Dallas entered Game 3 without star defenders Miro Heiskanen and top scorer Jason Robertson, while Mikko Rantanen has been MIA for days. The Avs kicked off overtime with an extra man on the ice, but the luck of the draw went Dallas's way. Coach Peter DeBoer had the final laugh, while Jared Bednar seemed to falter.

"Dallas has been sitting on a lead for mere moments across three games," Bednar lamented after another crushing postseason loss.

With the series poised at 1-2, the Avs are running short on chances, and it shows. Game 4 on Saturday night is a must-win.

Why hasn't the series turned in Colorado's favor? Twice, the Avs have failed to capitalize on a one-goal lead in the third period, and twice, they've squandered amazing opportunities on the power play. The result? A disheartened team and an eager enemy that continues to scratch and claw its way back into the game.

Adding insult to injury, the Avs' power play has gone south, failing to score for eight straight attempts since Game 1, including a big goose egg in Game 3. Their success rate currently stands at 15%, which leaves much to be desired.

"They've caught on to our strategies," Bednar admitted, conceding that his schemes have been predictable and ultimately seamless for the Stars.

So what's the solution? Give Landeskog a major boost by moving him to the top power-play unit.

In the history of Avs-Stars playoff games, teams with a 2-1 series lead have gone on to win 67% of the time. The Avs could easily be staring at a 3-0 lead - if not for a flurry of late-game blunders.

In dire straits, it's time for the Avs to shake things up. They need to revamp, reinvent, and recharge their power play. It's time for a dramatic makeover that could make all the difference in this backend series.

One potential adjustment? Swap out Jonathan Drouin for Landeskog on the power-play's first unit. Let the Captain get back in front of the crease, where he belongs, as one of the league's top puck-tippers tries to make something - anything - happen in front of Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger. Get dirty. Change the personalities. Create a fresh energy.

The Avs aren't having any luck these days, but a change in strategy just might be the spark they need to turn the tide. Even the hockey gods might take notice and bestow their blessings upon the team. But if Game 3 proved anything, it's that the Avs need Landy back in top form.

As for Avs fans, their spirits remain undampened, despite the setbacks. They're holding on to hope that their team can pull things together in Game 4. Only time will tell if Avs Nation has something to cheer about come Saturday night.

  1. Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, believes the team needs to enhance their performance, particularly the power play, to combat their post-game funk.
  2. The Avs are currently grappling with a power play that has not scored for eight straight attempts, resulting in a success rate of 15%.
  3. In the world of sports, American football, specifically the NFL, is also known for its intensity and the role of power plays, although it might not be literal wrinkles as in hockey.
  4. The absence of key players like Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson, and Mikko Rantanen from the Dallas Stars did not hinder their success in the series, which the Avs are finding difficult to turn in their favor.
  5. If the Colorado Avalanche desires to win Game 4 and potentially shift the series, they may consider restructuring their power play by moving Landeskog to the top unit.
  6. In hockey, a series poised at 1-2 is a crucial juncture; a win in such a game could potentially lead to a commanding 3-0 lead, as statistics show that teams with a 2-1 series advantage usually go on to win 67% of the time.
Avalanche's Game 3 against Stars ends in a disappointing overtime loss for the avid fans, resulting in a marred comeback for Gabriel Landeskog, as per Sean Keeler's article.

Read also:

Latest