Ahead of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, the series between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche was widely anticipated as a premier matchup.
Both teams had exceptional regular seasons, each surpassing the 100-point mark and considered strong contenders for the championship. Intriguingly, Mikko Rantanen was associated with both clubs at different points during the 2024-25 campaign.
True to expectations, the series has been a fierce contest, so close that six games weren`t enough to determine a winner.
Saturday night will host the pivotal Game 7. This marks the 199th Game 7 in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs. For fans who enjoy intense, close finishes, recent history offers encouragement: since 2022, 11 out of 14 Game 7s have been decided by a single goal, including all four contested in 2024.
To provide a comprehensive look at this crucial game, ESPN reporters and analysts have offered their insights, identifying the key players to watch and sharing their final score predictions for the winner-take-all clash.
Key Players to Watch
Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporter: Matt Duchene. After a productive regular season with 30 goals and 80 points, Duchene has only managed one point in this series. The Stars need his offense, especially remembering his game-winning goal against his former team in an elimination game last postseason.
Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter: Cale Makar. It feels unusual for the league`s top defenseman, who scored 30 goals this season, to be without a goal in this series. Makar holds himself to a high standard and despite picking up three points in Game 6 to help force Game 7, more is expected. He is likely to reach an even higher level.
Victoria Matiash, NHL analyst: Valeri Nichushkin. The Stars have struggled to contain the Avalanche`s second-line power forward when he is playing effectively. Nichushkin scored twice to help Colorado reach Game 7 and is poised to add more. He tends to score in bursts and has added motivation after being unavailable for the Avs in recent playoffs.
Arda Öcal, NHL broadcaster: Nathan MacKinnon. MacKinnon leads the Avalanche offense in the series with six goals and ten points. His competitive drive is immense. His six goals are just one shy of tying the franchise record for most goals in a playoff series.
Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter: Mikko Rantanen. The Stars acquired Rantanen with moments like this in mind, signing him long-term to be a difference-maker. He was instrumental in the Stars` Game 5 bounce-back with a goal and two assists, and had four points in Game 6. Rantanen, a Stanley Cup winner with the Avs, understands what it takes to finish a series, and that experience will be vital as he leads by example.
Greg Wyshynski, NHL reporter: Peter DeBoer. While not on the ice, the Dallas coach`s presence is key. Peter DeBoer could set an NHL record for career Game 7 wins if the Stars are victorious, currently holding a perfect 8-0 record in these do-or-die games. While it means his teams have often faced elimination, his record shows they consistently overcome the challenge.
Score Predictions
Ryan S. Clark: 4-3 Stars. While the powerful Avalanche are dangerous, the Stars have a slight edge due to their success in recent Game 7s and coach Peter DeBoer`s flawless record. It`s the Stars and the Avs, so unpredictability is high, but Dallas gets the nod.
Emily Kaplan: 4-3 Avalanche. Expect a fast-paced, high-octane game. The Avalanche have often dictated the tempo in this series and are expected to fly. While Dallas`s depth has been impressive despite injuries, the Avalanche possess too much star power to not get the win.
Victoria Matiash: 3-1 Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon is incredibly difficult to contain when everything is on the line. Even if Dallas limits the top line, Colorado`s secondary scoring threats, including Nichushkin, can provide crucial offense. Additionally, Mackenzie Blackwood, who has had few weak starts this season, could deliver another strong performance, reminiscent of his shutout in Game 4.
Arda Öcal: 3-1 Stars. A detailed prediction: Jake Oettinger makes 43 saves. Roope Hintz opens the scoring, followed by Cale Makar tying it on the power play. Early in the third, Mikko Rantanen scores on a breakaway, and Thomas Harley adds an empty-netter, sending Dallas to Round 2.
Kristen Shilton: 3-2 Stars. Home-ice advantage is significant in a Game 7, especially for a team like Dallas that played so well at home all season. The Stars have been marginally the better team in the series. Though it will be tight, Dallas has the momentum to eliminate Colorado. Beyond DeBoer`s perfect record, the Stars are more accustomed to these scenarios recently, while the Avs have faced difficulties closing out series since their 2022 Cup win.
Greg Wyshynski: 4-2 Stars. Sticking with the pre-series prediction of Dallas in seven games. Game 6 was a one-goal difference before empty-net goals, even with Hintz and Rantanen carrying the offense. Dallas needs contributions from players like Matt Duchene, Tyler Seguin, and Mason Marchment in Game 7. Their strong performance in the Game 5 rout suggests they can deliver at home. Combined with Jake Oettinger`s impressive 1.54 goals-against average and .956 save percentage in his three Game 7 appearances (2-1 record), Dallas is favored to advance.
