Nathan Mackinnon's "Shocking" message after the stars eliminate the avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche dramatically saw their season over Saturday night, leading the Dallas star 2-0 in Game 7.

Despite Josh Manson's goal in the second stage and Nathan Mackinnon's third goal, AVS admitted four unresolved goals in the final frame, down 4-2 at the American Airlines Center.

Mackinnon took the Colorado lead in just 31 seconds in the final stage, but he was still shocked by the defeat when he spoke to the media after the game.

“It’s really shocking,” McKinnon said. “It feels like we’re completely under control and then Mikko (Rantanen)… He’s done some amazing dramas thanks to him. He’s a different manufacturer, taking over him.

"Yes, I don't know. Honestly, I was shocked."

Nathan Mackinnon: "It's really shocking. It feels like we're in full control, and then it's Mikko... He owes him, he did some amazing drama. He's the differentiated guy, and took over him. Yes, I don't know. I'm shocked, honestly."

— Evan Raval (@evanrawal) May 4, 2025

Mikko Rantanen traded in Colorado in January and then went from Carolina to the Stars by the deadline to provide Dallas with a hat trick and assist in Phase 3.

Rantanen's performance marks the first time in NHL history that a player won a hat-trick in the third quarter of Game 7.

Meanwhile, Wyatt Johnston added the game title to the power with less than four minutes left, Rantanen sealed the game with an empty net goal.

"They missed the best D-Man, maybe their best forward, and we still can't beat them," McKinnon said. "So, yes, I don't know what we're going to do."

Colorado Avalanche Center Nathan Mackinnon (29) celebrates a goal against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena.

The Avalanche won the 7th forced game in Game 6, but now loses seven consecutive games.

Colorado head coach Jared Bednar admitted the sting of the collapse and his team surrendered to the lead with two goals in less than 20 minutes of regulation.

"You're in a good position and then it slides on you," Bedner said. "It's tough because I know how hard these guys work and how bad they want."

Dallas will face the Winnipeg Jets or St. Louis Blues in Round 2, depending on their Game 7 results on Sunday.

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Related: Mikko Rantanen of the Stars reveals the truth behind the exit of the avalanche