Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon was left stunned after former teammate Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars brought Colorado's season to a heartbreaking end in Saturday's Game 7.
"It's pretty shocking," MacKinnon said after the 4-2 loss, per The Denver Gazette's Evan Rawal. "Felt like we were in total control, then Mikko ... credit to him, he made some amazing plays. He was the difference-maker, took over. Yeah, I don't know. I'm in shock, to be honest."
"They were missing their best D (in Miro Heiskanen) and maybe their best forward (in Jason Robertson)," MacKinnon added, per DNVR. "We still couldn't beat them. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know what we're gonna do."
The Avalanche looked to be in control after MacKinnon scored to make it 2-0 in the first minute of the third period. But Rantanen stepped up with a hat trick and an assist on Wyatt Johnston's game-winner to send them packing.
Colorado had an edge at five-on-five during the series, dictating 58.6% of the shot attempts, 58.3% of the expected goals, and 59.3% of the high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick.
However, the Avalanche's power play faltered, going 3-for-22 and failing to convert on three chances in Game 7.
"It's tough because you put your heart and soul into the whole year, the series, all of it," Avs head coach Jared Bednar said. "You're in a good position, and then it slips away on you. So it's tough because I know how hard these guys worked and how bad they wanted it. That's all you can really think of at this point."
He added, "This is a good team. It's a really good team. In 2021, we were good; we got bounced out (in the second round). In 2022, we, obviously, were really good. This is the best team we've had since, though."
Colorado has won just one series since lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022. The Stars eliminated their Central Division rivals in six games during the second round last spring.
The Avalanche have now lost seven straight Game 7s - the longest such streak in the NHL. They last won the do-or-die contest in 2002.
Though this latest loss will sting, Colorado did get captain Gabriel Landeskog back in Game 3 for his first NHL action in nearly three years. The veteran forward enjoyed a strong showing despite his lengthy absence, chipping in with one goal and four points in five contests.
"It's pretty early on, so it's hard to put into words other than it sucks," Landeskog said after Saturday's defeat. "It really sucks. Just wasn't ready to stop playing, to be honest.
"Love this group, love the team we have, love the fight we keep showing time and time again. Just wasn't our night tonight, and therefore we're done."
