The Colorado Avalanche are on the edge of disaster.
Trailing 2-1 to the Dallas Stars in their opening-round series, every shift in Game 4 will be under a microscope. Another loss, and Colorado could be staring at a 3-1 hole too deep to climb out of. Win, and they’re right back in it.
If the Avs want to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive, here are five deadly mistakes they absolutely must avoid on Saturday night:
1. Playing It Safe Instead of Desperate
This is no time for cautious hockey. The Avalanche must attack, take risks, and force Dallas onto their heels. Sitting back, playing “not to lose,” or waiting for chances to appear will only let the Stars dictate the game — again.
The Avs need to act like their season is on the line — because it is.
2. Disappearing Stars
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar went scoreless in Game 3. That simply can’t happen again.
The best players must be the best players. MacKinnon needs to be a wrecking ball, driving the play with speed and power. Makar has to find those game-breaking moments he’s famous for. Without them leading the charge, the Avalanche are in deep trouble.
3. Power Play Problems
The Avalanche’s power play fell flat in Game 3, missing key chances late that could have flipped the result.
The good news? Gabriel Landeskog is now on the top unit, providing a fresh look. But the pressure is huge — Colorado must cash in when they get the man advantage. Against a team as good as Dallas, wasting power plays is a one-way ticket home.
4. Defensive Breakdowns at the Worst Time
Colorado’s defense has been mostly steady, but every tiny mistake gets magnified in the playoffs.
Whether it’s a blown coverage, a bad pinch, or a lazy clear, the Avalanche cannot hand Dallas free goals. Expect the Toews–Makar pairing to log massive minutes — but the depth guys like Sam Malinski and Josh Manson have to be rock-solid too.
One bad bounce could be the difference between tying the series and watching it slip away.
5. Letting the Past Creep In
Two crushing overtime losses could haunt any team. The Avalanche must flush those heartbreaks and attack Game 4 like it’s a clean slate.
Mental toughness will be huge. If doubt creeps in, or frustration bubbles over, the Stars — a team that thrives on capitalizing off mistakes — will smell blood.
The Avalanche have the talent to turn this series around. But if they repeat the same errors, it might be time to start thinking about next season.
Bottom Line:
Saturday night isn’t just Game 4. It’s a do-or-die statement about who the Avalanche are — and whether they still believe they can be champions.
