Five Things to Watch

1

Colorado played Dallas four times and came out on the other side 0-2-2. The Avs fell twice in regulation, 2-1 and 4-1, before a pair of midseason overtime losses (one via shootout). However, in round-robin seeding play, Colorado rolled through Dallas, 4-0, for an Avs victory in Edmonton.

2

In Game 6 against the Calgary Flames, the Stars trailed 3-0 in the first period — and proceeded to score seven consecutive goals (including four from rookie forward Denis Gurianov). It marked the sixth time an NHL playoff team has ever trailed 3-0 in the first period, then came back to win a series-ending game.

3

The Coyotes knocked off the Nashville Predators in the qualifying round (3-1) to reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Arizona coach Rick Tocchet told reporters in Edmonton: “It’s huge for the organization … We’re all sick and tired of the Coyotes being out of the conversation and I think we put ourselves in that.”

4

Colorado’s goalie tandem was hardly tested against the Coyotes, with the Avs carrying a hefty shots-on-goal advantage over five games (185-108). Expect Dallas to be much more aggressive offensively with Gurianov and center Joe Pavelski currently tied for the NHL lead in playoff goals scored, along with Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri, at six apiece.

5

The Avs’ MVP finalist leads the NHL with 13 points (four goals) and an eight-game points streak inside the Edmonton bubble. MacKinnon — already world-renowned for his offensive skill — has taken great strides to become one of the league’s best two-way forwards. He’s unafraid to initiate contact on the forecheck or drop gloves when necessary.