The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Dallas Stars in a crucial playoff matchup at Ball Arena. As both teams prepare for this pivotal game, all eyes will be on the top performers who have been instrumental in their respective teams' journeys so far.

Apr 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) controls the puck as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) defends in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Key Players to Watch

For the Colorado Avalanche, forward Nathan MacKinnon has been a standout performer. Over the last three games, MacKinnon has accumulated an impressive four points with three goals and one assist. His shooting accuracy is noteworthy, with a shooting percentage of 33 percent from 19 shots. In the April 20th game against Dallas, MacKinnon delivered a remarkable performance with two goals and an assist, showcasing his ability to change the game's momentum.

Another key player for Colorado is defenseman Cale Makar. Known for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions, Makar has consistently been on the ice for over 29 minutes per game in this series. He recorded an assist in each of the last two games, proving vital in both offensive setups and defensive stability.

Apr 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) celebrates his goal with left wing Mason Marchment (27) and defenseman Thomas Harley (55) and center Mikael Granlund (64) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

On the other side of the rink, Dallas Stars' forward Tyler Seguin has shown consistent form with two goals across three games. His ability to find scoring opportunities makes him a significant threat to Colorado's defense. Additionally, goaltender Jake Oettinger has been solid between the pipes for Dallas, boasting a save percentage of 100 percent in two out of three recent games.

Avalanche's Path to Victory

For Colorado Avalanche to secure victory against Dallas Stars, maintaining strong defensive play while capitalizing on offensive chances will be crucial. The team needs players like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin to support MacKinnon's efforts upfront by converting opportunities into goals.

Apr 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Defensively, keeping players like Roope Hintz and Jamie Benn at bay will require focused efforts from Devon Toews and Erik Johnson. The Avalanche must also rely on Mackenzie Blackwood's consistency as he has demonstrated resilience with high save percentages throughout these playoff games.

As fans gear up for this exciting clash on April 26th at Ball Arena in Denver, they can catch all the action live on networks such as TBS and truTV or stream it online via Max or Victory+. With both teams vying for supremacy, this matchup promises thrilling moments that could define their playoff journeys.

Share your thoughts about which players you think will make an impact during this high-stakes game!

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