NHL Stanley Playoffs: Dallas Stars Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Colorado Avalanche

Stars dominate Avalanche in Game 5, take commanding lead in Western Conference series.

The Dallas Stars dominated the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead.

The Stars were focused and efficient in their victory, becoming the first Western Conference team to secure their third win in the playoffs.

First Period Highlights

The Dallas Stars dominated the scoring in the first period despite the Colorado Avalanche's statistical advantage. Wyatt Johnston scored the fastest playoff goal in Stars history, netting one just nine seconds into the game.

Both teams had power plays, but neither scored, with impressive saves from Mackenzie Blackwood and Jake Oettinger. The game turned physical when Lian Bichsel cross-checked Logan O'Connor to the ice near the net with 4:40 remaining.

The Stars added another goal with 44 seconds left, courtesy of Thomas Harley, assisted by Johnston, in a shot that bounced off the post and down Blackwood's back.

Second Period Mayhem

The second period was a wild ride, with five goals scored in a frenetic stretch. Mikko Rantanen gave the Stars a 3-0 lead just 1:12 into the period with his first playoff goal. However, the Avalanche quickly mounted a comeback, scoring two goals within two minutes to cut the deficit.

Artturi Lehkonen broke the Avs' scoring drought with his second goal of the series, despite not scoring in the team's final 16 regular-season games. He was followed by Nathan MacKinnon, who ripped a precise shot to shorten the Stars' lead to 3-2. This goal marked MacKinnon's fifth of the series, making him the top scorer in the playoffs so far.

The momentum shifted when Sam Malinski was called for elbowing, giving the Stars a power play opportunity. They capitalized, with Wyatt Johnston scoring his second goal of the game and third point of the night.

Did we do the whole touchdown thing right, @dallascowboys? pic.twitter.com/r9iT7tzSpa

— X - Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 29, 2025

The Stars continued to assert their dominance, with Mason Marchment scoring another goal with 1:28 left in the period. Despite nearly even shot totals (Colorado 17, Dallas 18), the Stars showed more effectiveness in front of the net.

Third Period Developments

The Avalanche benched Mackenzie Blackwood in favor of Scott Wedgewood to start the period, a move seen previously in the Jets' game against the Blues.

The Stars went on a power play midway through the period after a high-stick penalty was called on Josh Manson, although it appeared Jamie Benn's skate made contact. Later, Lian Bichsel's cross-checking penalty gave the Avalanche a power play opportunity.

The situation turned physical when Nathan MacKinnon slapped Jake Oettinger with his stick during a scrum in front of the Stars' net. This led to minor penalties for Artturi Lehkonen and Esa Lindell.

Roope Hintz sealed the win with an empty-net goal, extending the Stars' lead to 6-2.

The game's intensity boiled over in the final minute, with 10 game misconducts issued after players from both teams engaged in fights. The series now shifts to Colorado for Game 6 on Thursday. The Stars aim to advance, while the Avalanche will try to force a Game 7.

Finntastic. 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/RTQmYPFQIy

— X - Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 29, 2025