DALLAS — The Colorado Avalanche are packing their bags and their newfound swagger, heading to Texas for a pivotal Game 5 against the Dallas Stars in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After a gritty 4-2 win in Denver on April 27, the Avs have knotted this first-round series at 2-2, and defenseman Samuel Girard is among those ready to keep the pedal down. This isn’t just another game; it’s a chance to steal momentum on the road and tilt the series in Colorado’s favor.
Girard, the 26-year-old blueliner, has been a quiet force for the Avalanche. In Game 4, he logged 22 minutes of ice time, dished out two assists, and helped anchor a penalty kill that smothered Dallas’ power play. His quick feet and sharp reads have been critical, especially against a Stars offense that thrives on speed and puck movement. Colorado’s coaching staff confirmed on April 28 that Girard will again pair with Cale Makar on the top defensive unit, a duo that’s been a headache for Dallas forwards like Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz.
The Avalanche’s Game 4 victory was a masterclass in resilience. Down 1-0 early, they clawed back with goals from Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin, and Jonathan Drouin, while goaltender Justus Annunen stopped 28 of 30 shots. Colorado’s forecheck was relentless, forcing turnovers that fueled their attack. Head coach Jared Bednar noted after the game that his team’s ability to “grind through adversity” was the difference. Now, they’ll need that same fire in Dallas, where the Stars have won 26 of their 41 home games this season.
Dallas, meanwhile, is licking its wounds but far from out. The Stars’ Game 4 loss snapped a two-game win streak, and coach Pete DeBoer is expected to tweak his lineup. Official team reports confirm that forward Tyler Seguin, who sat out Game 4 with a lower-body injury, is a game-time decision for April 29. If Seguin returns, he’ll likely slot back onto the second line, giving Dallas a boost in offensive depth. Goaltender Jake Oettinger, who faced 35 shots in Game 4, remains the Stars’ backbone, with a .918 save percentage in the series.
The Avalanche’s travel roster, announced on April 28, includes no surprises. Forwards Parker Kelly and Miles Wood, both healthy scratches in Game 4, are expected to stay on the sidelines. Colorado’s top line of MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Martin Necas remains intact, with MacKinnon leading the team with five points in the series. Defenseman Josh Manson, who took a hard hit in Game 4, is cleared to play, per team medical staff.
Faceoff is set for 8:00 p.m. local time at American Airlines Center. The game will air on ESPN, with radio coverage on Altitude Sports Radio. The winner of Game 5 will hold a 3-2 series lead, with Game 6 back in Denver on May 1. Historical data shows that teams winning Game 5 in a tied 2-2 series advance 79% of the time, making this clash a potential turning point.
Both teams know what’s at stake. Colorado wants to ride its momentum, while Dallas aims to reclaim home-ice advantage. For Girard and the Avalanche, it’s about staying disciplined, keeping their legs moving, and silencing a rowdy Dallas crowd. The puck drops tonight, and the ice will tell the story.