The Colorado Avalanche has refused to fold in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, forcing a Game 7 against the Seattle Kraken (The Athletic). With a hard-fought victory in Game 6, the Avalanche displayed the mental toughness necessary to keep their season alive (The Denver Gazette).
Despite having everything stacked against them in a must-win Game 6, the Avalanche rallied for a 4-1 win over the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle (KDVR). Mikko Rantanen was a key player, scoring his sixth goal in as many playoff games, which ultimately erased Colorado’s slow start in the series (The Denver Post).
For the first time in their short history, the Seattle Kraken will face the defending champion Avalanche in a decisive Game 7 (Fox News). As the series shifts back to Seattle for this critical matchup, the Avalanche look to maintain their momentum and advance in the playoffs (USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire).
Amidst the intense competition, controversy has arisen surrounding Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin. Nichushkin has been missing from the playoff series against the Kraken (CBS Sports). A woman found in his hotel room in Seattle had to be transported to the hospital (Bleacher Report). Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has maintained that Nichushkin’s absence is due to personal reasons, despite the release of a police report (The Seattle Times). New police records and statements from public officials have shed further light on the situation (Mile High Hockey).
