The key for the Stars is Connor Hellebuyck, almost certain to win his third Vezina Trophy in six years, continuing to play poorly on the road. He wasn’t good in any of the three games at St. Louis. The Blues won them all but could not win a single game in Manitoba.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs saw some riveting action throughout the first round. Two of the Western Conference series went the full seven games. The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets ultimately moved onto the next round despite both looking dead in the water late in Game 7.

In 81 career playoff games for the Avalanche, Rantanen had 101 points (34 goals, 67 assists). His last game with them was Jan. 22, but the regular season ended with him still as their third-leading scorer with 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in his 49 games behind Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.