The Colorado Avalanche are making adjustments to their lines as they prepare for Game 4 against the Dallas Stars on Saturday night at Ball Arena. The Stars hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series despite often trailing during regulation play.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed changes to the top three forward lines, seeking better production. Valeri Nichushkin found success in Game 3, but the top unit has not met expectations.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who recently returned to play, will move up to the second line and join Brock Nelson and Nichushkin. Bednar said Landeskog was "incredible under those circumstances" in his first game back.
Landeskog stated his body is holding up well and the move was discussed beforehand. Jonathan Drouin will drop to the third line with Charlie Coyle and Joel Kiviranta.
The Avalanche power play has struggled, particularly during Game 3. Landeskog will also join the top power-play unit, lining up on the half-wall.
Cale Makar's offensive output has been lower than usual in the series. Bednar acknowledged Makar might be "struggling a little bit" offensively but defended his overall play and competitiveness.
The Dallas Stars have relied on goaltending from Jake Oettinger, a strong penalty kill, and timely efforts from veterans like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin to secure their series lead. Oettinger stopped 27 of 28 shots in the Game 3 overtime win.
Despite the lead, the Stars have faced early deficits in each game. They have led for just over a minute of regulation time through three games. The top forward line has also been quiet.
Mikko Rantanen, acquired mid-season by Dallas, is playing against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. He has not registered a point in the series. Stars coach Pete DeBoer noted Rantanen's difficult transition after playing with Nathan MacKinnon for nearly a decade.
Joel Kiviranta of the Avalanche faced his former team, the Stars, in the playoffs last season, describing the dynamic as difficult when facing close friends.
Landeskog commented on the need for more offensive pressure from Colorado. "Create some chaos in front of the net and we're going to need more of it. We're going to need more shots, more dangerous scoring chances," he said.
