Now it's Colorado's shot at a playoff payback and both teams are coming in with something more to prove.

The Avalanche and Stars know each other very well. This will be the 7th time they've faced off in the postseason.

Now it’s Colorado’s shot at a playoff payback and both teams are coming in with something more to prove.

Stars vs Avalanche Game Details

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Broadcast: TNT / truTV / Max

Familiar Foes, New Stakes

The Avalanche and Stars are no strangers to one another. In fact, this will be the 7th time they’ve met in the postseason.

Dallas has the edge in the head-to-head series having won 4 of their previous series. The Stars' victories came in 1999, 2000, and more recently in 2020 and 2024. Meanwhile, the Avalanche had their moments of triumph in 2004 and 2006. But it’s been a while since we've seen one team completely shut out the other in a series.

This year, Dallas has the home-ice edge thanks to a solid 50-24-6 finish which is good for 106 points and 2nd seed in the Central Division. Colorado wasn’t too far behind, closing at 49-29-4 with 102 points. So, it’s about as evenly matched as you’ll get in a 2-3 matchup.

In the regular season, the Avs had the upper hand. They went 2-0-1 against Dallas, with wins by scores of 6-3 and 4-3 in OT. Dallas won just one time with a 5-3 home win back in November.

But don't be fooled by those stats. These 2 teams look very different than they did during those regular season matchups.

Game 1 goes down tonight at American Airlines Center, and it’s already got the feel of a coin-flip series.

Colorado’s Firepower is Built for Playoff Chaos

When it comes to raw talent, few teams can match what the Avalanche bring to the table and when you see the names, it’s easy to see why.

Nathan MacKinnon put up a whopping 116 points this season spread across 32 goals and 84 assists — and has been in MVP form since opening night. He’s been the engine of the offense, even if his head-to-head stats against Dallas this year were a bit quiet with only 3 helpers. However, his playoff pedigree is no joke, and neither is his drive to get Colorado back to the promised land.

Cale Makar, as usual, is the undeniable X-factor from the blue line. He torched Dallas for 7 points in their 3 meetings earlier this season and is pacing for another near-Norris run. His mobility and offensive instincts make him a nightmare to defend, especially when he’s on the power play unit.

But the big storyline for the Avs might be Gabriel Landeskog. The captain hasn’t played an NHL game since hoisting the Cup in 2022 due to his lingering knee problems, but he’s completed a conditioning run with the AHL's Colorado Eagles and looks ready to rejoin the big boys. Even if he's not 100%, his leadership and physicality are game-changing and will be felt by the Stars. We’re not so sure he’ll put up big numbers, but it’s the non-tangibles that should worry Dallas.

Trade deadline additions Martin Necas and Brock Nelson have also added some real depth to the middle 6. With guys like Charlie Coyle, and Ross Colton, and a chance of Landeskog anchoring the third line, Colorado’s forward group is suddenly a lot harder to match up against.

The concern, as always, is in between the pipes. That’s where things get interesting for this club.

Alexandar Georgiev is likely to start Game 1, but his playoff numbers haven’t exactly lit up the stat sheet. He’s had workload issues in the past, and if he slips, we won’t be surprised if the Avs give MacKenzie Blackwood a shot. Blackwood’s 2.55 GAA and .912 SV% give him a case for some ice time, especially with Dallas’ shooters lurking. They’re not going to let Georgiev fall too far before putting Blackwood in there.

Dallas Brings the Depth — and the Pressure

If Colorado is top-heavy and explosive, Dallas is deep, structured, and battle-tested.

Matt Duchene has had a really strong season as he led the Stars with 82 points. Jason Robertson finished right behind him with 80, which included 35 goals, though his status in the first couple of games