In a closely contested NHL game, the Dallas Stars initially took a commanding 3-0 lead against the Colorado Avalanche, building on an 8-3 advantage over the last three periods. However, the Avalanche, led by Cale Makar who scored twice, fought back with two power-play goals and a game-tying goal by Nathan MacKinnon, bringing the score to 3-3 by the third period. The Avalanche demonstrated resilience, overcoming an early deficit and significantly outshooting the Stars, who managed only 9 shots in the first period and few thereafter. The game's intensity was further highlighted by the performance of both teams' top lines and strategic adjustments by the coaches to try and gain an upper hand.
MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Makar-Toews vs. Johnston-Robertson-Heiskanen-Harley to start the 4-on-4. Phew, that's a lot of good hockey players with a lot of space on the ice.
Tie game. 4 on 4. Tv timeout for extra rest and a bit more ice Bring out Nate, Makar, Rantanen and whoever else. Oh boy.
Manson gets called for hooking and Hintz goes to the box for embellishment. #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado
Dallas is trying to spark something. Anything. https://t.co/O8NnlJInqE
MacKinnon/Rantanen are probably the best at creating dangerous looks off of ozone draws that I can remember watching. They know exactly what their options are and how to make space.
Mikko Rantanen just ripped one off the iron. The #Avs top line has dominated this game territorially at evens ... exactly what Stars coach Pete DeBoer said his club was going to try and prevent this morning.
Dallas had 9 shots on goal in the 1st period. They have had 7 shots since (9:23 left in the 3rd) #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado
Stars getting outplayed, and DeBoer is shuffling. https://t.co/omtX74KqOG
Robertson-Hintz-Johnston Benn-Duchene-Stankoven Dadonov-Faksa-Steel Pavelski-Steel-Seguin
Wagner has had a great last couple of shifts. He has been attacking the net and drawing the play into the offensive zone #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado
MacKinnon ties the game early in the 3rd and the Avs are on their way back! #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado https://t.co/QbZQwnXcNN
Nathan MacKinnon ties it up right away in the third. Another point for Makar. 3-3.
After falling behind 3-0 in the first, Colorado scored two power-play goals and outshot Dallas 11-3 in the second. We've got a one-goal game entering the third. 3-2, Stars.
#Avs had two goals that period. Stars had three shots on goal. 3-2 Stars after two periods. *extremely dad voice* We got ourselves a ballgame.
Avs trail 3-2 after 40 minutes. Colorado had 2 goals in that period. Dallas had 3 shots.
Fair to say the Avalanche shook off the rust that period. Outshot the Stars 10-3 and got themselves back into the game. Stars lead 3-2 after two.
And there's Makar. The Avalanche came back twice this season in Dallas. They're doing it again right now. 3-2.
Makar from the point. Two power plays, two goals for Colorado. Dallas' lead is down to 3-2.
In the last three periods of hockey between the Stars and Avalanche, Stars have an 8-3 advantage. Nearly became 9-3 there at the end of the first period.