Avalanche Baffle NHL Fans in Game 2 Loss as Stars Shut Down MacKinnon, Makar
Andrew PetersMay 10, 2024
Sam Hodde/Getty Images
The Dallas Stars have evened the series against the Colorado Avalanche after a 5-3 win Thursday night.
It was all Dallas through the first two periods as the Stars took a 4-0 lead thanks to a pair of goals from Miro Heiskanen and a goal each from Roop Hintz and Tyler Seguin. The Avalanche applied some pressure in the third period after goals from Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin, but Dallas ultimately capitalized on an empty Colorado net to make it a two-goal game in the final minute.
The Stars did an excellent job of shutting down Colorado stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, who have had goals or assists in all of the Avalanche playoff games so far. Dallas prevented MacKinnon and Makar from notching any points on Thursday.
The loss left NHL fans confused by the lack of production from the two stars.
nathan coker @ncavalancheEasily the worst playoff game I’ve seen this Avs core play. Horrendously lazy, sloppy and undisciplined. MacKinnon and Rantanen have zero shots on goal, which is shockingly bad. Just a brutal game all around š
Luca Celebre @LucaCelebre21The Stars have done an excellent job on MacKinnon on the power play tonight. They’re pressuring him higher up on that circle and not giving him any time or space.
Mat Smith @RealMatSmithMacKinnon hasn’t registered a shot on goal in two periods. Duchene’s line is outplaying his line. In Game 1, the top line absolutely dominated the action but Colorado didn’t get much from 2-3-4 until Wood made a play in OT. Tonight DAL has attacked COL’s rush and limited space.
Paul O’Leary @poleary19This is a classic case of the Avs beating themselves. Disappointing and easily our worst performance of the playoffs. Zero shots from Mackinnon; I’d love for someone to tell me how many playoff games we’ve won with zero shots from the dogg.
Brandon @btutor24Mackinnon is selling
Pokecheque @PokechequeWell, that was a disastrous period for the Avs. MacKinnon and a few others just look listless right now. Bad turnover from Nichushkin gets turned into a SHGā¦one more period but this looks bad.
jkwest.eth @jkwest_ethWhere is Nathan mackinnon? They haven’t said his name once other than a penalty he committed Dallas scored on.
Dude Where’s Makar @joelthesakicThis has been such a weird and frustrating game…
Sean @SeanMurphy_92Mackinnon was a no show in Game 2ā¦ had his opportunity to shine at the end.
Jackson @Jackson_WiegerImagine an Avs team that doesn’t start 3-4 goals down. Sheeeesh
Tommy Gahan @tommysgahanIt’s crazy that if the Avs had just above average goal tending they’d easily win the cup this year lol
Zack Steffel @ZackzerzNow would be a great time to show up, MacKinnon
jd @24_habs_Dallas got so lucky the Avs waited til the 3rd period to get it together
ą» @PapiGingAvs really wait till they’re down by 3-4 goals to comeback before it’s to late , tragic
The Stars now head to Colorado with a manageable series after avoiding going down 2-0, but things won’t be easy on the road. The Avalanche had all the momentum in the third period, but ultimately came up short in their comeback hopes.
If Colorado can put together a full game rather than waiting until the final period to show up, it should fare better in Game 3.
The best-of-seven series will continue on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.
