Stars and Avalanche Clash in Key Playoff Showdown

DENVER, Colorado — The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are set for a critical matchup on Sunday at Ball Arena, marking a significant moment in their playoff campaigns. With both teams vying for top positioning in the Central Division, puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 PM Eastern.

The Stars (42-21-2, 86 points) and Avalanche (40-24-3, 83 points) are entering the game with high expectations for deep playoff runs. Dallas made headlines earlier this month by acquiring Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes, bolstering their already strong roster. Rantanen, who scored two goals and provided one assist in his first three games with the Stars, will face his former team for the first time.

“It’s going to be an emotional game, but once the puck drops, it’s just about winning,” Rantanen said after practice on Saturday.

The Avalanche, currently riding an eight-game winning streak at home, are looking to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Colorado has been playing exceptionally well lately but remains just three points behind Dallas while holding two games in hand.

“This is a must-win game for us,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said. “We want to keep the momentum going and put pressure on the teams above us in the standings.”

Colorado’s lineup will feature key players like Nathan MacKinnon, who is eyeing his second straight Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. MacKinnon leads the team’s offensive efforts, with the Avalanche ranking fourth in the NHL in goals scored this season. Futuristically, they must find ways to break through Dallas’s imposing penalty kill unit, which boasts a near 85 percent effectiveness.

Star goaltender Jake Oettinger has been a vital part of Dallas’s success, contributing to the team’s strong defensive performance, ranking third in goals allowed. Oettinger noted the importance of this game for both teams: “Every point is crucial as we head into the end of the regular season.”

The game will be broadcast nationally in the United States on TNT and streamed on Max. Fans in Mexico can catch the action in Spanish on Sky Sports, ensuring a widespread audience for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Injury reports continue to loom over both teams. The Stars will welcome back Roope Hintz after a two-game absence due to a facial injury. Conversely, the Avalanche will be without forward Gabriel Landeskog (knee) and defenseman Josh Manson (upper body), who is listed as questionable.

This matchup not only represents a pivotal moment in the standings but also sets the stage for a potential playoff preview as both teams look to solidify their positions as Stanley Cup contenders.