The Colorado Avalanche are dangling over the edge of elimination.
After two gut-wrenching overtime losses to the Dallas Stars, they’re down 2-1 in the series heading into Saturday night’s critical Game 4. Lose, and they’re one step from summer. Win, and it’s game on.
But let’s be honest — if they make any of these five mistakes, it might be lights out for Colorado’s Stanley Cup dreams:
1. Playing Scared Instead of Playing Hungry
This is not the time to play passive, perimeter hockey. If the Avalanche aren’t flying from puck drop, Dallas will smother them and steal the momentum early. Colorado has to go all-out, all night — no more sitting back and “waiting for chances.”
Desperation hockey isn’t pretty, but it wins playoff games.
2. Ghost Mode from MacKinnon and Makar
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have yet to truly leave their mark on this series — and it’s killing Colorado.
No points in Game 3. No statement moments. No “put the team on my back” shifts. That has to change. These are generational talents — if they’re quiet again tonight, the Stars will be halfway to the second round.
3. Blowing Power Play Chances
The Avalanche had three power plays late in Game 3 — and came up empty. That’s a death sentence in the postseason.
The top unit is getting a shake-up with Gabriel Landeskog now in the mix. If this group can’t cash in tonight? There’s a very good chance the Stars will — on the scoreboard and in the series.
4. Defensive Gaffes at the Worst Time
One blown coverage. One turnover at the blue line. One bad pinch. That’s all it takes to unravel an entire playoff game.
The Avs’ defense has been mostly strong, but against a Stars team that thrives on counterpunches and chaos, every decision has to be airtight. No freebies. No lapses. Not tonight.
5. Letting the Past Live Rent-Free
Two overtime losses sting — badly. But if the Avalanche keep dwelling on what could’ve been, they’ll lose sight of what has to be done.
Game 4 is a mental test just as much as a physical one. Shake off the heartbreak. Reset the mindset. There’s still time to flip this series — but not if they’re still stuck in Game 2 or 3.
The Bottom Line:
If Colorado wants to keep breathing in this series, they need to play like there’s no tomorrow — because there isn’t. Not unlesst hey clean up these mistakes tonight.
