No. 3 in net helping align the Avs against Stars
Makar, Hutchinson help Colorado force Game 7 against Dallas Stars
EDMONTON — The biggest boost for the Colorado Avalanche in must-win game after must-win game comes from an unlikely source — their third-string goaltender.
Michael Hutchinson stopped 27 shots and the Avalanche beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 on Wednesday night to force a decisive Game 7 in their second-round playoff series.
The 30-year-old Hutchinson was back in net with starter Philipp Grubauer and backup Pavel Francouz both sidelined.
It was just Hutchinson’s second career NHL playoff start — and second win. He stymied the Stars all night after allowing an early goal.
“He’s an easy guy to cheer for,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.
“For him to to be able to step in and do what he’s done for us the last couple games is nothing short of amazing. He deserves all the credit.”
Rookie defenceman Cale Makar scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, while
Nikita Zadorov and Mikko Rantanen added goals.
Nathan MacKinnon scored an empty-netter for the Avalanche, who staved off elimination for a second straight game to tie the series at three wins apiece. Colorado has never won a post-season series when trailing 3-1.
Game 7 is Friday. “Our mindset’s changed,” Makar said. “Obviously, we’re on the ropes and we have a team that’s going to fight to the end here. The next one is a big one for us. It’s going to be a fun one.”
Miro Heiskanen scored for the Stars, while Anton Khudobin made 20 saves.
Both teams lost in Game 7 last season in the second round. Colorado is attempting to advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2002. The Stars last went in 2008.
“We never thought it was going to be a sweep or an easy series,” Stars forward Tyler Seguin said. “We always said it can go Game 6 or 7, and it’s 7, so here we are.”
This marked the first time in the high-scoring series the winning team didn’t net at least five goals.
also