A Fresh Spin on a Tight Game 7: Avalanche vs Stars
Valeri Nichushkin of the Avalanche suffers a bloody injury following a check by Jamie Benn.
The seventh game of the initial Stanley Cup playoff showdown between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars took a dramatic turn from the high-scoring spectacle witnessed in Game 6. The combined 11 goals in Game 6 allowed the series to be knotted at 3-3, but the two teams struggled to find the back of the net until deep into Game 7 at the American Airlines Arena.
The opening period was marked by hard-hitting plays, with Stars captain Jamie Benn risking his team's survival by Cross-checking Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin in the mouth. Benn's aggressive move left Nichuskin with a noticeable bloody lip and earned him a 4-minute penalty.
Under normal circumstances, the Avalanche's potent offense, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, could have exploited the power play opportunity. However, Dallas' penalty killers proved essential, thwarting the Avalanche's attempts to score and stay off the scoreboard.
Surprisingly, the first goal of the game was scored by the Avalanche while they were shorthanded. At the 9:50 mark of the second period, Defenseman Josh Manson scored a goal after his shot hit the post and bounced in. Logan O'Connor set up Manson with a perfect pass, pushing the puck deep into Dallas territory.
The Avalanche maintained their slim 1-0 lead going into the third period.
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Dallas Stars Coach Excels in Game 7 Playoffs
Key stats appeared to favor the Stars in the decisive game. Dallas head coach Peter DeBoer has shown incredible success in leading his teams into Game 7 of playoff series, with a remarkable 9-0 record[1][2][3]. In contrast, Colorado head coach Jared Bednar has struggled in seventh games, holding a record of 0-4.
Interestingly, the Avalanche have not tasted victory in a seven-game series since their win against the San Jose Sharks in the 2002 conference semifinals[4]. While Dallas coach DeBoer's unmatchable track record in Game 7s is noteworthy, Bednar's achievements include leading the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022[4].
Here's a snapshot of their records:
| Coach | Team | Game 7 Record ||--------------------|----------------------|-------------------|| Peter DeBoer | Dallas Stars | 9-0 || Jared Bednar | Colorado Avalanche | 0-4 |
- The tight Game 7 between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars had a different vibe compared to the high-scoring Game 6, with physical plays and a struggle to score until deep into the game.
- Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn earned a 4-minute penalty after cross-checking Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin, leaving him with a bloody lip.
- Despite the Avalanche's potent offense, Dallas' penalty killers thwarted their power play opportunity, ensuring the game remained scoreless for a while.
- In an unexpected turn of events, Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson scored a shorthanded goal at the 9:50 mark of the second period, a goal that hit the post and bounced in, with a perfect pass from Logan O'Connor.
- Key stats indicated a favorable position for the Dallas Stars in terms of Game 7 record, with their coach, Peter DeBoer, having a remarkable 9-0 record in Game 7s, compared to Colorado's coach Jared Bednar, who has struggled with a 0-4 record in seventh games.
