The Dallas Stars mounted a dramatic third-period comeback to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 7 of their Western Conference First Round series on Saturday night at American Airlines Center, advancing to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Avalanche Build Early Lead
DALLAS, TX – MAY 03: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) moves the puck during the Round 1 Game 7 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on May 3, 2025 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
The Avalanche, seeded third in the Central Division, appeared in control through two periods. Josh Manson opened the scoring at 9:50 of the second period with a shorthanded goal, capitalizing on a Dallas turnover and a feed from Logan O’Connor. Nathan MacKinnon extended Colorado’s lead to 2-0 just 31 seconds into the third period, finishing from close range on a delayed penalty call.
Stars’ Explosive Response
DALLAS, TX – MAY 03: Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the Round 1 Game 7 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on May 3, 2025 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
Facing elimination, Dallas responded with a surge. Mikko Rantanen-who led the Stars’ offense all night-cut the deficit to 2-1 at 7:49 of the third period with a shot from the high slot that beat Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.Rantanen then tied the game 2-2 at 13:46, banking in a wraparound attempt off Colorado defenseman Samuel Girard during a power play.
Wyatt Johnston gave Dallas its first lead of the night at 16:04, converting a one-timer on the power play off a cross-ice pass from Matt Duchene to make it 3-2. Rantanen completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal in the final seconds, sealing the 4-2 victory and sending the Stars to the next round.
Key Performances and Statistics
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Mikko Rantanen (DAL): 3 goals (hat trick), 1 assist
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Wyatt Johnston (DAL): 1 goal (game-winner)
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Matt Duchene (DAL): 2 assists
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Jake Oettinger (DAL): 24 saves on 26 shots
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Josh Manson (COL): 1 goal (shorthanded)
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Nathan MacKinnon (COL): 1 goal
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Mackenzie Blackwood (COL): 15 saves on 18 shots
The Avalanche outshot the Stars 27-19 and matched them in faceoff percentage (50% each), but Dallas capitalized on special teams, scoring twice on four power-play opportunities while Colorado was held scoreless on three chances.
Coaching and Historical Context
The victory improved Stars coach Peter DeBoer’s already impressive Game 7 record, while Avalanche coach Jared Bednar remained winless in Game 7 situations. The Stars, seeded second in the Central Division, will face either the Winnipeg Jets or St. Louis Blues in the second round.
Game Summary Table
| Period | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COL | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| DAL | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Notable Moments
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Manson’s shorthanded goal gave Colorado early momentum.
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MacKinnon’s goal early in the third put Dallas in a two-goal hole.
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Rantanen’s hat trick, including the empty-netter, was pivotal in the Stars’ comeback.
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Johnston’s power-play goal proved to be the game-winner.
Dallas’ resilience in the third period and Rantanen’s standout performance were decisive, as the Stars move on in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
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