Dallas Stars Take Series Lead With 2-1 OT Thriller Over Colorado Avalanche

The Dallas Stars seized a 2-1 series advantage over the Colorado Avalanche with a dramatic overtime victory in Game 3 on April 23, 2025, at Denver’s Ball Arena. Tyler Seguin delivered the game-winning goal at 5:31 of overtime, capping a tense contest that also marked the emotional return of Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog after nearly three years away from NHL action.

First Period: Avalanche Strike First

Colorado opened the scoring midway through the first period. Valeri Nichushkin notched his first goal of the postseason at 8:09, maneuvering down the slot and beating Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger on a breakaway. The goal energized the home crowd and gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead, which they carried into the first intermission.

Goaltending and Defensive Battle

Both teams tightened defensively in the second period, with neither side able to find the back of the net. Goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood (Colorado) and Jake Oettinger (Dallas) each finished the night with 26 and 27 saves, respectively, anchoring their teams through several high-pressure moments.

Third Period: Stars Pull Even

Dallas found the equalizer on the power play at 9:18 of the third period. Jamie Benn redirected a shot from the blue line past Blackwood, tying the game 1-1 and setting the stage for a tense finish.

Late Drama and Overtime Heroics

With less than a minute remaining in regulation, Dallas’ Mason Marchment was assessed a double-minor penalty for high-sticking, giving Colorado a four-minute power play that stretched into overtime. The Stars’ penalty kill unit, one of the league’s best in recent years, successfully neutralized the Avalanche’s advantage, holding Colorado scoreless on all six of their power play opportunities in the game.

Shortly after returning to even strength, Dallas capitalized. Mason Marchment, fresh out of the penalty box, set up Tyler Seguin, who corralled the puck with his skate before firing a wrist shot over Blackwood’s shoulder to seal the 2-1 win for the Stars.

Landeskog’s Return Headlines Night

The contest was notable for the return of Gabriel Landeskog, who played his first NHL game since June 26, 2022, after recovering from a chronic knee injury. Landeskog logged 13:16 of ice time and led his team with six hits, drawing a warm ovation from the Denver crowd. Despite the loss, Landeskog described the night as “very special regardless of the outcome”.

Special Teams Struggles for Colorado

The Avalanche’s inability to convert on the power play proved costly, finishing 0-for-6 with the man advantage. Head coach Jared Bednar succinctly summarized the issue postgame: “everything” needed to improve with the skater advantage.

Looking Ahead

With the win, Dallas takes a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday night in Denver, where the Avalanche will look to even the series on home ice.

Game Summary Table

Key Stats

• Shots: Dallas 28, Colorado 28

• Power Plays: Dallas 1/3, Colorado 0/6

• Hits: Dallas 34, Colorado 46

The Stars’ resilience and penalty killing proved decisive in a tightly contested playoff battle, while the Avalanche will seek answers on special teams as the first-round series continues.