The highly anticipated Game 7 between the Avalanche and Kraken did not disappoint, with both teams leaving it all on the ice in a thrilling battle for the ages. But in the end, it was the Avalanche who emerged victorious, thanks to the standout performances of their biggest stars.
Leading the way for the Avs was none other than Nathan MacKinnon, who continued his incredible playoff run with a goal and two assists in the decisive Game 7. His linemate, Mikko Rantanen, was also a force to be reckoned with, notching a goal and an assist of his own to help seal the victory.
On the defensive side of the puck, Cale Makar once again proved why he’s one of the league’s most dynamic young blueliners, racking up a goal and an assist while playing nearly 30 minutes of ice time. And in net, Philipp Grubauer was rock solid, turning aside 35 of the 37 shots he faced to secure the win for Colorado.
Of course, not every player had their best game for the Avs. Gabriel Landeskog was held off the scoresheet and took a costly penalty in the third period, while Nazem Kadri was a healthy scratch after his controversial hit in Game 2. But in the end, it was the team effort and the heroics of their top players that carried the Avalanche to victory.
As for the Kraken, they’ll have to look back on this game as a missed opportunity. Despite a valiant effort from their own stars, including Jaden Schwartz and Mark Giordano, they simply couldn’t solve Grubauer when it mattered most. And in the end, it was their mistakes and missed chances that cost them a chance to move on in the playoffs.
But regardless of the outcome, this Game 7 will be remembered as a classic, a true showcase of the talent and intensity that makes the NHL playoffs so special. And for the Avalanche, it’s on to the next round, where they’ll face another tough opponent in their quest for the Stanley Cup.