Everything is on the line tonight as the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars face off in a decisive Game 7 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Both teams, considered Stanley Cup favorites, have traded blows all series, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with a spot in the second round at stake
Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on ABC and ESPN+ The Avalanche, coming off a dramatic 7-4 win to force Game 7, are chasing their first Game 7 victory in 23 years. Star forward Nathan MacKinnon leads Colorado with six goals in the series, while captain Gabriel Landeskog has made a strong return after a long injury absence
For Dallas, head coach Peter DeBoer boasts an undefeated 8-0 record in Game 7s and has never lost a playoff series to Colorado. Mikko Rantanen has been a standout for the Stars, leading with eight points, and Roope Hintz has contributed four goals Goaltending could be the difference, with Jake Oettinger set to start for Dallas and Mackenzie Blackwood in net for Colorado
Both teams are expected to keep their lineups unchanged, with the Avalanche hoping to break their Game 7 curse and Dallas aiming to capitalize on home ice and coaching history
Who will advance and keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive? All eyes are on Dallas tonight.
