The Colorado Avalanche met the Dallas Stars for the first time since Dallas eliminated Colorado in last season’s playoffs. Not many big names were on the roster on Saturday night other than Brent Burns and Nathan MacKinnon for the Avalanche. Former Avalanche Mikko Rantanen was a healthy scratch for Saturday’s contest with his spot secure in the Stars’ lineup already. Fans saw players who were fighting for the final roster spots while the Avalanche clinched a 4–1 victory over the Stars. Colorado remains undefeated in its preseason games, anticipating further tests.

View from the Mountaintop

Gavin Brindley continues to impress Avalanche fans in just his second game during the preseason. His forecheck has been unmatched along with his speed. While playing his first game at Magness Arena, Brindley had two goals against the Utah Mammoth. On Saturday, he added another tally to bring his total to three goals. The Avalanche traded Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood in exchange for Brindley, and the return looks profitable. Brindley is in the fight of his life against Zakhar Bardakov for the last spot on the Avalanche roster, and he knows it.

Artturi Lehkonen picked up right where he left off from last season. Playing on the top line for the Avalanche Saturday evening, The Finn had an excellent offensive performance. He buried a goal from in front of the net in his typical fashion and assisted on Bardakov’s backhand goal. Lehkonen, if he can remain healthy, will be a dominant force in front of Gabriel Landeskog on the wing.

Colorado had seven opportunities on the power play on Saturday night and failed to convert. Dave Hakstol is the new assistant coach for the Avalanche. Hakstol’s system will present a period of change for players. The good news is that Colorado killed both penalties that Dallas could ha scored on.

Up Next

The Avalanche will begin a home and home series on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The game on Tuesday will begin at 6 p.m. MT and broadcast on TNT. This preseason game will mark game four for the Avalanche, beginning television broadcasts. Fans can also expect big-name players to be in the lineup on both sides of the bench.