It’s playoff time, and the excitement is at an all-time high. Colorado Avalanche fans know every Avs game counts—especially with Game 4 against the Dallas Stars set to shape this series. With momentum swinging and lineups adjusting, let’s dive into what to expect, who to watch, and why this matchup could define the outcome of the round.

Recent Avs Game Performance: What's at Stake?

The Avalanche are trailing in the series, but every Avs game brings fresh opportunities. After three intense contests, Dallas holds a 2-1 lead. Notably, the Stars have held that lead despite only being in front briefly in regulation. The atmosphere in Ball Arena is electric, and both teams know this could be the turning point.

For a detailed comparison, here's the NHL official game summary for Avalanche vs. Stars. It highlights stats, play-by-play recaps, and critical moments from the series so far.

Key Storylines for Avs Game 4

Avalanche Lineup Adjustments

Coach Jared Bednar is making strategic changes. Gabriel Landeskog is moving up the lineup, aiming to spark offense and capture the team's energy. Cale Makar, a key defenseman, is another player fans hope will have his breakout moment in Game 4. The Denver Gazette’s preview dives deeper into why these moves matter, and how the Avalanche hope they’ll shift the momentum.

Dallas Stars: Grit and Goaltending

On the other side, Dallas is leaning on stellar goalie Jake Oettinger and an impenetrable penalty kill. Veteran forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have delivered in clutch moments, giving Dallas a slight advantage. However, the Stars have struggled with early deficits and have been plagued by untimely penalties. For a comprehensive breakdown, check out the Defending Big D Avs Game 4 preview.

Projected Lineups

Below are the expected starting lineups for both squads:

Colorado Avalanche:

• Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
• Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
• Jonathan Drouin – Charlie Coyle – Joel Kiviranta
• Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor
• Defensive pairings: Devon Toews – Cale Makar; Ryan Lindgren – Josh Manson; Samuel Girard – Sam Malinski
• Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood

Dallas Stars:

• Mikael Granlund – Roope Hintz – Mikko Rantanen
• Mason Marchment – Matt Duchene – Tyler Seguin
• Jamie Benn – Wyatt Johnston – Evgenii Dadonov
• Oskar Bäck – Sam Steel – Colin Blackwell
• Defensive pairings: Thomas Harley – Ilya Lyubushkin; Esa Lindell – Cody Ceci; Lian Bichsel – Alex Petrovic
• Goaltenders: Jake Oettinger, Casey DeSmith

Three Things to Watch Tonight

1. Can the Avalanche Power Play Capitalize?
Dallas has kept Colorado’s power play at bay, thanks to their aggressive penalty kill. If the Avs can break through with a timely goal, it could shift the momentum back in their favor.

2. Which Stars Veteran Will Step Up?
Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have produced when needed. If the Avalanche neutralize these two, they’ll increase their chances of evening the series.

3. Makar’s Moment?
Cale Makar has yet to deliver his signature big-game performance in this series. If he steps up, the Avs game plan becomes much more dynamic and unpredictable.

How to Watch the Avs Game

Tonight’s puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MT (with actual start likely closer to 9 p.m.) at Ball Arena, Denver. Fans can watch live on Victory+ and TNT or listen in on The Ticket.

Conclusion: It’s Game On in Denver

Game 4 is critical for both teams. Whether you’re rooting for the Avs or following Dallas’s run, this Avs game promises drama, skill, and playoff intensity. For more detailed updates and coverage as the action unfolds, remember to check resources like NHL.com, Defending Big D, and The Denver Gazette’s Avalanche coverage. Don’t miss another thrilling Avs game—every moment could make the difference!