The Colorado Avalanche delivered a strong late push to secure a 4-1 preseason win over the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on Saturday night.
Artturi Lehkonen’s rebound goal early in the third period proved to be the difference, while Gavin Brindley, Zakhar Bardakov, and Tristen Nielsen also found the back of the net.
Colorado limited Dallas to just 13 total shots, scored three goals in the third period, and showed flashes of their trademark depth.
However, the Avs also went 0-for-7 on the power play, a reminder that special teams remain a work in progress this early in camp.
How It Happened
The game started slowly, with neither team generating much sustained pressure.
Dallas dressed a lineup missing most of their top-nine forwards and top-four defensemen, while Colorado iced stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Lehkonen, and Ross Colton alongside prospects pushing for roster spots.
- 1-0 Avalanche: At 10:32 of the second period, rookie Gavin Brindley opened the scoring. Ivan Ivan carried the puck deep and slipped a slick backhand feed into the slot, where Brindley buried his third goal of the preseason.
- 1-1 Stars: With just four seconds left in the second, Antonio Stranges tied the game on a wrist shot from the left circle that slipped past Scott Wedgewood.
- 2-1 Avalanche: At 3:42 of the third, Lehkonen parked himself at the crease and finished a rebound from MacKinnon’s initial shot. His second of the preseason stood as the game-winner.
- 3-1 Avalanche: Just under four minutes later, newcomer Zakhar Bardakov tallied his first goal in an Avalanche sweater, taking a feed from Lehkonen and sliding a backhand past the Stars netminder.
- 4-1 Avalanche: Tristen Nielsen capped the scoring at 18:23 with an empty-netter, his third of the exhibition slate.
Avalanche Stats and Standouts
- Shots on Goal: Avalanche 23, Stars 13
- Power Play: Avalanche 0-for-7, Stars 0-for-2
- Hits: Avalanche 31, Stars 31
- Faceoffs: Avalanche 52.1%, Stars 47.9%
Individual Performances:
- Artturi Lehkonen: 1G, 1A, team-high 4 shots, only multi-point player.
- Brent Burns: Logged 21:21, notched 1 assist, and delivered 3 hits.
- Gavin Brindley: Third goal of the preseason, continues to impress with pace and energy.
- Zakhar Bardakov: First goal in an Avalanche sweater, showed strong net-front presence.
- Goaltending: Wedgewood played the first two periods, allowing one goal. Miner cleaned up the third.
What Avalanche Coach Bednar Said
Head coach Jared Bednar liked the team’s defensive structure and effort:
“I liked our engagement during the game. We shut down Dallas by protecting the middle of the ice and in front of the net. I really liked what I saw from our young prospects — Nielsen, Behrens, Brindley. They were engaged and made plays.”
On the power play struggles, Bednar acknowledged the lack of chemistry but wasn’t concerned:
“We haven’t had much time to practice it yet. Missing guys like Necas and Makar makes a big difference. We saw flashes from Olofsson and Lehkonen, but overall it’s a work in progress. I’m not worried — we’ll get there.”
He also confirmed roster decisions are looming:
“We’ll start slimming the group down beginning Monday and only keep extra players for the road trip. Expect a few cuts in the next 24 hours.”
Three Takeaways
1. Veterans Setting the Tone
Artturi Lehkonen led the way with two points and a game-high four shots, while Brent Burns logged heavy minutes and played a steady, physical game.
Ross Colton quietly added stability down the middle. These performances matter in camp — veterans establish the standard of play for younger players watching and learning.
2. Youth Making Their Mark
Brindley, Bardakov, and Nielsen all hit the scoresheet. For Brindley, it was another showcase of his speed and finish, while Bardakov’s net-front work rewarded him with his first
Avalanche goal. Nielsen continues to make a case for himself with his energy and timely contributions. Add in Behrens’ puck-moving flashes, and it was a positive night for Colorado’s next wave.
3. A Third-Period Push Shows Character
The Avalanche turned a 1-1 tie into a runaway win by locking down defensively and striking quickly.
Colorado limited Dallas to just six shots in the final frame, while hammering home two goals in the opening seven minutes — first from Artturi Lehkonen and then Zakhar Bardakov.
From there, the Stars looked out of gas, and Tristen Nielsen’s empty-netter sealed the 4-1 result.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective: the Avs played to their structure, protected the middle of the ice, and let their skill take over when chances came.
Looking Ahead: What’s next for the Avalanche
The Avalanche host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at 6 p.m. MT in their next preseason matchup. With roster cuts already underway and more on the way, the lineup will start to take shape as Bednar trims down to his regular-season group.
Special teams remain the biggest question mark. Colorado will want to get more reps with their power play before opening night, especially once stars like Cale Makar and Martin Necas rejoin the unit.
For now, the focus remains on building chemistry, rewarding prospects who perform, and making sure the veterans stay sharp heading into October.
Home › Forums › Avalanche Outshine Stars With 4-1 Win in Preseason Action