Denver, Colo. – The Colorado Avalanche stamped their mark on Game 4 with a resounding 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars to tie the series at 2. Samuel Girard put on one of his best performances of the season, capped off with the fourth goal of the game in the third period. Mackenzie Blackwood earned his first ever postseason shutout in just his fourth ever postseason performance.

And who wasn't a little emotional when Captain Gabriel Landeskog scored his first goal since June 20th, 2022? In just his second NHL game since returning from an injury that kept him away from professional hockey for three seasons, he worked with his teammates on the second line to score the game's third goal.

First goal since June 20th, 2022. #GoAvsGohttps://t.co/ipb2XluNTl

— Bailey Curtis (@baileyycurtis) April 27, 2025

I've envisioned scoring again for a long time. and then there were obviously days where I didn't know if I was ever going to get the score again. So obviously feels good. It's a tight playoff series and a big game here at home, get to do it in front of our fans. Obviously means a lot. So super exciting. Hopefully more to come."

– Landeskog on scoring his first NHL goal since returning.

How the Game Shook Out

The Avalanche played a dominant game after dropping Wednesday's home match 2-1 in overtime. 

The first period saw Logan O'Connor rise to the occasion while his team was on the penalty kill, creating a turnover at the Avalanche blue line and carrying it up the ice. He found himself one-on-one with Jake Oettinger and snapped the puck over Oettinger's blocker on the near side and scored, putting Colorado up 1-0.

SHEEEEEEEESSH 😮‍💨#GoAvsGo | #BuiltDifferentpic.twitter.com/Odli9PMcmP

— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 27, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon didn't want to miss out on the fun, though, showing that both special teams came to dominate. He finds himself all alone in the left faceoff circle, receives a pass from Jonathan Drouin, and his shot, somehow, sneaks through…