Deen’s Daily: Avs Playoff Hockey Today!; Talented, Tough Third Line; Dallas Gets Clobbered in Game 1

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Avalanche open their 2026 Stanley Cup playoff run today.

Three series kicked off on Saturday, with the road team winning twice. In the Central Division, the Stars got clobbered. Could they be in trouble against Quinn Hughes and the Wild?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 19. Colorado Hockey Now We made it. The postseason are upon us, and the Avalanche play playoff hockey in just a few short hours.

Practice on Saturday was as upbeat and positive as you’d expect from the Presidents’ Trophy winners, with what will be a fully healthy lineup for Game 1. There was a surprise on the second line. Or maybe it wasn’t much of a surprise given where he ranks on the team in goals, but Parker Kelly will likely open the postseason with Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin.