Avalanche-Stars Game 1 quick hits

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrate with defenseman Cale Makar (8) after Makar scored a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) in the second period during game one of the second round of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, May 07, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Instant reaction from the Avalanche’s 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series.

1. Even if you don’t believe in Santa Claus: It’s time to believe in the Avalanche’s postseason power play. Actually, it’s past time. With 2:41 left in the third period, Colorado was 2 of 2 with the extra man, both goals coming in the second period, and helping to chip into a 3-0 Dallas lead after the first 20 minutes. Going into the final stanza, the Avs had scored on eight of their 18 playoff PP chances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — a clip of 44.4%. To put that conversion rate in context, the 2021-22 Cup champions wound up scoring with the extra man 32.8% of the time (20 for 61), tops in the NHL during that postseason.

2. Makar, Nichushkin keep streaking: This streaking thing is getting to be a habit. After another sweet wrister ticked the twine in the second period, Cale Makar tied the Avs’ franchise streak for consecutive games with a point — six — to start a playoff series. Meanwhile, Val Nichushkin isn’t just setting team marks — he’s chasing league marks. The Choo Choo Train’s now tied for third in NHL history with the most goals (eight) over the first six games of a postseason, a mark he shares with 11 others. The No. 2 slot, with nine to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is held by Mark Messier (1983) and Steve Payne (1981). Nichushkin’s goal streak of six straight games was the longest in Avs history and tied for the second-longest in NHL annals, with only Pat LaFontaine’s seven-game streak with Buffalo to open the 1992 postseason improving the Russian winger’s hot start.

3. Best save early? Manson, easily: As miserable as the first 20 minutes played out for the burgundy and blue, it actually would’ve been worse if not for a heads-up sweep by Avs defender Josh Manson. With Colorado down 3-0 and reeling on the penalty kill, a three-goal deficit looked like it could become four goals with Alexandar Georgiev spread eagle on the ice while Dallas’ Jamie Benn looked to time the wrap around the helpless goalie perfectly. Manson spotted the danger, too, and slid behind his teammate to sweep the puck out of trouble before it could get pushed over the line. Unfortunately for the Avs, it was probably their best save of the first period.

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