The Dallas Stars have positioned themselves on the brink of advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, leading their series against the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 following a commanding Game 5 victory. With Game 6 set to take place in Denver, the Stars aim to replicate last year's success in this high-stakes matchup, where they eliminated the Avalanche in a double-overtime thriller. However, the Stars are aware of the urgency that comes with Colorado's situation, as they face elimination and will surely bring their best effort.

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen emphasized the importance of starting strong, recalling their swift lead in Game 5, while also noting that the playoff atmosphere demands a relentless approach against a desperate opponent. Historically, NHL teams with a 3-2 series lead win approximately 79% of the time; for the Stars, this figure rises to an impressive 94.1% in their last 30 years. Coach Pete DeBoer remains confident, having a perfect 8-0 record in Game 7s, should the series extend.

While Matt Duchene, last year's Game 6 hero against the Avalanche, has struggled in the playoffs thus far, he hopes to find his stride in this pivotal game. The team is also grappling with injuries, notably missing star Jason Robertson. An early victory would not only close the series but also grant the Stars crucial rest ahead of the next round.