Nathan MacKinnon in ‘shock’ after Avs blow it against the Stars

The Colorado Avalanche fell apart against the Dallas Stars on Saturday night in Game 7, and Nathan Mackinnon can’t believe it.

The Avs went up 2-0 in the third period after MacKinnon scored just 31 second into the frame.

Then, the collapse was on.

Mikko Rantanen, who Colorado GM Chris MacFarland stunningly traded in January, recorded a hat trick the rest of the way and the Avs had their season end in Round 1. After the game, MacKinnon was reportedly almost at a loss for words.

Nathan MacKinnon: "It's pretty shocking. Felt like we were in total control, then Mikko…credit to him, he made some amazing plays. He was the difference maker, took over. Yeah, I don't know. I'm in shock, to be honest."

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) May 4, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon scored seven goals in this series. The best player on Earth, despite his Hart Trophy snub, was unreal. He could’ve used a guy like Rantanen, but MacFarland decided to move him six weeks before the NHL trade deadline.

Yes, that deal was to the Carolina Hurricanes, but it completely burned Colorado in the end. Martin Necas was the key piece of the trade and scored one goal for Colorado the whole series. Jack Drury, the throw-in, committed the penalty that ultimately gave the Stars the game-winning goal.

Nathan MacKinnon has every right to be in shock. He could have multiple Stanley Cups right now, but the core around him isn’t good enough.

And MacFarland took away a major piece of that core in Rantanen. Sure, he added depth, but the Avalanche still lost in Round 1 when eight other teams have a chance to win a title this year.

It’s a shame, there’s no other way to slice it at this point. Colorado choked, and now we have to wait another 13 months for a shot at a championship.

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