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The Dallas Stars outlasted the Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling 6-5 victory on Tuesday night, securing the Central Division title and potentially the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
NHL Highlights Stars vs. Avalanche. April 7, 2024
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening puck drop. Colorado struck first with a goal from Valeri Nichushkin early in the first period. However, the Stars responded with two quick goals of their own, courtesy of Jamie Benn and Radek Faksa, before the end of the frame.
The second period featured a dominant power play display by Dallas. They capitalized on three separate opportunities, with goals from Tyler Seguin, Joel Hanley, and Jason Robertson, extending their lead to 5-1.
The Avalanche refused to go down without a fight. They clawed their way back into the game in the third period, scoring four unanswered goals. Goals from Nathan MacKinnon, Joe Pavelski, Brandon Saad, and Jonathan Drouin brought the score to 5-5 with under five minutes remaining.
However, the Stars had the final say. With just 2:43 left on the clock, Wyatt Johnston found the back of the net to put Dallas back in the lead. Tyler Seguin added an empty-net goal to seal the victory and secure the Central Division crown for the Stars.
This win was a statement of dominance for Dallas. Their potent offense, fueled by a three-goal performance on the power play, proved to be too much for the Avalanche to handle. Despite a valiant comeback attempt in the third period, Colorado fell short.
For the Stars, this victory carries significant weight. They not only clinched the division title but also strengthened their position in the race for the top seed in the West. Home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs would be a major advantage for Dallas. Tyler Seguin’s two-goal performance was a major highlight, solidifying his status as a key offensive weapon for the Stars.
The Avalanche, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. While the loss stings, they still have plenty to play for down the stretch. Their ability to fight back from a four-goal deficit demonstrates their resilience. However, they will need to tighten up defensively if they want to make a deep playoff run.
