By: Chris Nosek

Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars

The fact that this was a first round matchup is the worst part about this game because it was everything we could have wanted in a Game 7. Pete DeBoer remains unbeaten in Game 7s while Colorado continues to struggle in them. The bounces seemed to be going Colorado’s way early when a Josh Manson shot snuck through the pads of Jake Oettinger. After going down 2-0, it was Mikko Rantanen who put the weight of the game on his shoulders. He netted a hat trick interrupted only by the game winning goal by Wyatt Johnston on a powerplay. Both goaltenders played outstanding as chances went each way all game. I felt the Avs had the talent advantage, but in the end the drive to get revenge against the team that traded him was much greater for Rantanen.

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

What a freakin’ game! The Blues got the early lead they were looking for and you could see the doubt all over the Jets, especially Connor Hellebuyck. Even when it looked like the Jets were about to comeback, the Blues got an extra goal to close out the period. Then the Jets made their comeback in the final minutes of the regulation. Only when they tied the game did I think they had a chance to win the game. Hellebuyck really settled down and this game should be a massive confidence boost for the entire team. The Jets complete the comeback in the second overtime for an incredible victory to advance. Cole Perfetti scored two goals and really started to establish himself in the absence of Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers. This should really make them a fun team to watch in the next round.