Star Player Nathan MacKinnon of Avalanche Admits Remarkably Fortunate Statement Post Game-Winning Goal
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Game 7 is looming large as the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars prepare to do battle once more. Center Nathan MacKinnon, who's been nothing short of sensational, is confident about the upcoming encounter.
"We caught some lucky breaks," MacKinnon admitted to ESPN. "Hopefully, we get another dose of that luck in Game 7."
MacKinnon is referring to the fateful moment at the 10:56 mark in the third period of Game 6. The puck took a fortunate bounce off a Dallas player's shoulder and found the back of the net. This twist of fate swung the game in Colorado's favor.
With their backs against the wall, down 3-2 in the series, the Colorado faithful were a giddy bunch during the thrilling match. And players like Gabriel Landeskog, who returned after missing nearly two years due to injuries, were a beacon of hope for the fanbase. Landeskog scored his first playoff goal since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, keeping the home crowd on their feet.
MacKinnon has been the standout performer for the Avalanche, leading the NHL in total goals scored in the playoffs with six, including three on the power play. His effectiveness on a mismatch has been a game-changer for his team.
Regardless of who the Avalanche might face in the next round — be it the Winnipeg Jets or the St. Louis Blues — MacKinnon is ready to take the mantle and carry his team to victory.
If the Avalanche can repeat their Game 6 performance, MacKinnon's playmaking prowess could seal the deal. With Mikko Rantanen facing his former team and Landeskog's return, the series could be nothing short of cinematic.
MacKinnon may have already tied Avalanche legend Joe Sakic for the franchise record for most total points in their history, but breaking records is secondary for the 29-year-old superstar. His primary focus remains on picking up another Stanley Cup Final trophy.
During the regular season, the Avalanche barely squeaked into the playoffs against a tough Dallas team. But now, with Landeskog back in the lineup, they're a force to be reckoned with. The Game 7 showdown is sure to be a thrilling spectacle.
Avalanche vs. Stars: The One that Matters
While players like Landeskog and Cale Makar are key contributors to the Avalanche, it's MacKinnon who truly sets them apart. After leading the NHL in total assists during the 2024-25 season, he raised his game as a goal-scorer in the playoffs.
In Game 6, MacKinnon scored the decisive goal — a deflection off Dallas' Colin Blackwell — and added two more assists in the Avalanche's 7-4 victory[1][3][5]. His playmaking abilities continued to shine, with Cale Makar contributing significantly as well[3][5].
MacKinnon is known for his dominance in elimination games, and his Game 6 effort marked his third multi-point game of the 2025 playoffs[3]. If the Avalanche can replicate their Game 6 shooting efficiency, MacKinnon's playmaking could decide the series once and for all[4][5].
The series hinges on MacKinnon's ability to exploit transition opportunities and maintain puck possession under the pressure of the playoffs[1][5]. Dallas' Jake Oettinger and Colorado's Mikko Blackwood are set for a goaltending duel, but the Avalanche's top-line firepower is likely to favor them[1][3].
If the Avalanche can secure a series win in Game 7, they'll face the winner of the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues series. Round 2 could promise more cinematic moments, with the Avalanche's playoff experience serving them well in the cutthroat battle ahead.
- In Game 7, Nathan MacKinnon, the standout performer for the Colorado Avalanche, is confident about the team's chances, hoping for another dose of luck like in Game 6.
- MacKinnon, who leads the NHL in total goals scored in the playoffs with six, including three on the power play, could seal the deal if the Avalanche can repeat their Game 6 performance.
- Despite facing either the Winnipeg Jets or the St. Louis Blues in the next round, MacKinnon, who has already tied Avalanche legend Joe Sakic for the franchise record for most total points, is ready to carry his team to victory.
- With Gabriel Landeskog back in the lineup, the Avalanche, who barely squeaked into the playoffs against a tough Dallas team during the regular season, are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
- MacKinnon's playmaking prowess and Cale Makar's contributions are crucial for the Avalanche, making them a tough opponent in the playoffs.
- The Game 7 showdown between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars is sure to be a thrilling spectacle, as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the NHL playoffs.
