Dallas Stars Surge Past Avalanche 6-2 in Pivotal Game 5
The Dallas Stars seized control of their first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche with a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 5 on April 28, 2025, at American Airlines Center. With the win, Dallas takes a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, pushing Colorado to the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Denver for Game 6.
Record-Setting Start for Dallas
The Stars wasted no time establishing momentum. Forward Wyatt Johnston scored just nine seconds into the game, the fastest goal to start a playoff game in Dallas Stars history and tied for the fifth-fastest in Stanley Cup Playoff history. Johnston chased down a dump-in off the opening faceoff and fired a sharp-angled shot that deflected off Colorado goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and into the net.
Dallas doubled its lead late in the first period when Thomas Harley’s shot rebounded off Blackwood, popped into the air, and landed on the goaltender’s back before rolling across the goal line at 19:15.
Rantanen Ignites Dallas Offense
Early in the second period, Mikko Rantanen, a midseason acquisition for Dallas and a former Avalanche mainstay, scored his first goal of the postseason, finishing a 2-on-1 with Roope Hintz to make it 3-0. Rantanen also contributed two assists, helping to drive the Stars’ offense throughout the night.
Colorado responded with a pair of quick goals midway through the second. Artturi Lehkonen redirected a Martin Necas one-timer from the top of the crease at 12:11, and Nathan MacKinnon cut the deficit to 3-2 with a high-slot shot at 14:38. However, Dallas quickly regained control.
Johnston notched his second goal of the night on a power play at 16:48, converting a cross-slot feed from Matt Duchene to restore a two-goal lead. Mason Marchment then tipped in Alexander Petrovic’s point shot at 18:32, pushing the score to 5-2 before the second intermission.
Dallas Closes Out Strong
The third period saw Colorado replace Blackwood with Scott Wedgewood in net after Blackwood allowed five goals on 18 shots. Dallas maintained its defensive structure, and Roope Hintz capped the scoring with an empty-net goal at 17:55, assisted by Rantanen.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger anchored the Stars with 27 saves, turning aside several quality Avalanche chances, particularly during Colorado’s second-period surge. The Stars finished 1-for-4 on the power play, while Colorado was held scoreless in three opportunities with the man advantage.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Goals | Shots | Power Play | Faceoff % | Hits | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | 6 | 27 | 1/4 | 56.9 | 29 | 21 |
| Colorado | 2 | 28 | 0/3 | 43.1 | 51 | 17 |
Key Quotes
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“We did probably our best job generating chances tonight and it showed. … Just a huge win,” said Wyatt Johnston, who finished with two goals and an assist.
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“I’m not surprised by our response. We’ve got a proud group,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer, referencing the team’s bounce-back after a shutout loss in Game 4.
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“It’s a lot easier when you play with a lead, and I think that was our first lead for a while in the series. So it’s a key factor,” added Rantanen.
Looking Ahead
With the series now 3-2 in favor of Dallas, the Avalanche face elimination as the teams head to Denver for Game 6 on Thursday night. The Stars will look to close out the series, while Colorado must regroup and find answers to extend their season.
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DALLAS, TX - APR 28: Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) skates during the Round 1 Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on April 28, 2025 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
