The Dallas Stars evened their second-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche with a thrilling 5-3 victory in Game 2 on Thursday night.
Roope Hintz led the way for the Stars with a goal and three assists, while Miro Heiskanen chipped in with two goals. Jake Oettinger made 28 saves to secure the win.
Colorado mounted a late comeback in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to cut the deficit to one. However, the Stars held on to steal victory and tie the series 1-1.
Stars Take Control Early
Dallas got off to a strong start, capitalizing on two power-play opportunities in the first period. Heiskanen opened the scoring with a one-timer from the bottom of the right face-off circle, while Hintz added another goal later in the period.
The Stars extended their lead in the second period with another power-play goal from Heiskanen and a shorthanded tally by Tyler Seguin.
Avalanche Make a Push
Colorado refused to go down without a fight. They stormed back in the third period, with goals from Valeri Nichushkin, Brandon Duhaime, and Joel Kiviranta. Nichushkin’s goal extended his playoff-opening goal streak to seven games, tying an NHL record.
Stars Hold On for Victory
Despite the Avalanche’s late surge, the Stars were able to weather the storm and secure the win with an empty-net goal by Esa Lindell.
The series Shifts to Colorado
With the series tied 1-1, the focus now shifts to Colorado for Game 3, which will be played on Saturday night. The Stars will look to build on their momentum and steal a victory on the road, while the Avalanche will be determined to protect their home ice.
