Stars Prevail in Overtime Thriller to Even Series with Avalanche
The Dallas Stars edged the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in overtime on April 21, 2025, at American Airlines Center, knotting their Western Conference first-round playoff series at one game apiece. Colin Blackwell emerged as the hero, netting the game-winner at 17:46 of overtime to cap a tightly contested matchup between two Central Division rivals.
Game Summary
The contest was marked by momentum swings and standout performances on both sides. Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring for Colorado with a power-play goal in the first period, his third of the postseason, moving him to second in franchise history for power-play tallies. Dallas responded late in the period, with Tyler Seguin converting on the power play to tie the game. Seguin’s goal was notable as it was just his third game back after missing significant time due to hip surgery.
Early in the second period, Thomas Harley gave Dallas its first lead of the series, but Colorado quickly answered through Jack Drury, who capitalized on a setup from Logan O’Connor. The Avalanche regained the lead late in the second when O’Connor scored on a falling backhand, but the Stars again found an answer in the third period, as Evgenii Dadonov shoveled a rebound past Mackenzie Blackwood to force overtime.
Overtime Decider
The extra period was tense and evenly played until Blackwell, a fourth-line forward who had been in and out of the lineup late in the season, seized his opportunity. After his initial shot was blocked, Blackwell circled below the right circle, collected the loose puck, and lifted it over Blackwood’s glove to secure the win for Dallas.
“That was a big win for us. I think if we go into Colorado down 2-0 it’s a different series,” Blackwell said postgame. “That’s why you’re only as good as your next win or your next shift. … We did a good job of just being smart and sticking to the game plan and doing really well”.
Goaltending and Special Teams
Both goaltenders were tested throughout the night, with Dallas’ Jake Oettinger making 34 saves and Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood stopping 35 shots. The Stars’ power play, which had struggled in recent playoff openers, produced a key goal, while Colorado’s penalty kill survived a critical 5-on-3 disadvantage late in the second period.
Coaches’ and Players’ Reactions
Dallas coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the importance of the win, noting the difficulty of coming back from a two-game deficit: “Our season’s on the line if we lose the first two games here. … We knew our season was on the line, and … we got more direct in our game, more competitive, and got rewarded for that”.
Colorado’s Cale Makar reflected on the positives despite the defeat: “Felt like we controlled the game at a lot of different times and just got to find ways to create a little bit more. … We just got to be ready for the next one”.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied 1-1, the matchup shifts to Denver for Game 3. Both teams have shown resilience and depth, setting the stage for a competitive and potentially lengthy series.
Scoring Summary
| Team | 1st Period | 2nd Period | 3rd Period | OT | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Colorado | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
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DALLAS, TX - APR 21: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) skates during the Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on April 21, 2025 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
Key Performers
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Dallas: Colin Blackwell (OT GWG), Tyler Seguin (1 G), Thomas Harley (1 G), Evgenii Dadonov (1 G), Jake Oettinger (34 saves)
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Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon (1 G), Jack Drury (1 G), Logan O’Connor (1 G, 1 A), Mackenzie Blackwood (35 saves)
The series resumes in Denver, where both teams will look to seize momentum in this closely fought playoff battle.
