The Colorado Avalanche are heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with one goal — payback against the Dallas Stars. After losing to the Stars in the second round last year, the Avalanche are hoping to use that experience to come back stronger this time around.
Their journey starts with a big matchup on Saturday, April 19, at the American Airlines Arena, as they begin their first-round series against Dallas.
Facing an Old Rival, With a Twist
Avalanche star Cale Makar knows this won’t be easy. Dallas has knocked Colorado out of the playoffs more than once in recent years.
“They’ve ended our year a couple of different times since I’ve been here,” Makar said. “They’re a very good team. You’ve got to find ways to expose them.”
This time, however, there’s a twist. Former Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, who was a big part of Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup win, is now playing for Dallas. Rantanen has 101 playoff points in 81 games and was known for stepping up in big games.
“Mikko’s a playoff player,” said Makar. “It’ll definitely be tough to defend him.”
New Faces, Same Ambition
In 2022, then-GM Joe Sakic added important players like Darcy Kuemper, Artturi Lehkonen, and Josh Manson to help the team win the Cup. This year, GM Chris MacFarland has made even bigger changes.
The team has new goalies – Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, and has also added forwards Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, and defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
“These additions remind me of when we won in 2022,” Makar said. “Management knows what we need, and they’ve given us everything to succeed.”
Landeskog’s Long-Awaited Return
One of the most exciting developments is the return of Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado’s captain. The 32-year-old hasn’t played in the NHL since winning the Cup in 2022 due to injuries and long rehab. But he recently played two games in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles and looked sharp in practice.
“He hasn’t lost a step,” Makar said. “It’ll take some time, but it’s great to have him back.”
Makar even travelled to Loveland to watch Landeskog’s return — and got a bonus: watching his younger brother Taylor Makar, who recently turned pro after winning a championship in college.
“Really cool experience,” said Makar. “I haven’t seen my brother play live in ages.”
Makar’s Historic Season
Cale Makar just finished his best NHL season yet. He led all defensemen with 92 points, scored 30 goals, and became the first blueliner since 2009 to reach the 30-goal mark. He’s now in a strong position to win his second Norris Trophy, given to the NHL’s top defenseman.
But Makar remains humble.
“It’s not about me,” he said. “You need good teammates to achieve all this. Our team has been given the right tools to perform.”
Off the Ice: A Hairy Partnership
Makar is also involved off the ice, teaming up with Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk for the ‘Check In To Win’ contest with Great Clips, the NHL’s official salon partner. Fans who use the Great Clips app can enter to win tickets to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final and other cool prizes until May 19.
“It’s exciting that someone will get to see a Stanley Cup Final game live,” Makar said.
As for his own game-day prep? Makar keeps it simple.
“No big superstitions,” he shared. “Just making sure the body and mind are ready to go.”
