4/28/25 Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Recap

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche (GAME 5)

The Dallas Stars won Game 5 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. This game took place at American Airlines Center and ended with a final score of 6-2. 

American Airlines Center erupted when Stars’ #53 Wyatt Johnston scored the opening goal nine seconds into the first period and gave them a 1-0 lead. After a couple of great scoring chances from both teams, the Avs’ penalty kill was put to the test midway through the period after Avs’ #17 Parker Kelly hooked Stars’ #96 Mikko Rantanen. Shortly after the Stars successfully killed off this penalty, the Avs had their first power play opportunity of the game when #24 Roope Hintz received an interference penalty. Unfortunately for the Avs, the Stars penalty kill unit was also able to successfully kill off this penalty and keep it a 1-0 game. With 45 seconds left in the first period, Stars’ #55 Thomas Harley was able to slip a goal past Avs’ goaltender, #39 Mackenzie Blackwood, which extended their lead by two-goals (2-0). The first period ended with an electric performance by the Stars’ goaltender, #29 Jake Oettinger, who was able to keep it a scoreless game for the Avs and maintain the Stars’ 2-0 lead. 

The Stars continued their goal-scoring momentum and extended their lead a minute and twelve seconds into the second period with a goal scored by #96 Rantanen (3-0). The Stars penalty kill also continued their 100% success rate as they were able to kill off another Avs’ power play opportunity which kept it a 3-0 game in the first half of the period. Although the Avs found themselves struggling, they continued to persevere and were able to momentarily cut their deficit down to one goal after #62 Artturi Lehkonen and #29 Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals in the latter half of the second period (3-2). The Stars did not back down when the Avs started to gain momentum and answered back to both of their goals in the final two minutes of the game. The first goal was an impressive power play goal scored by #53 Johnston which was then followed up by the last goal of the second period being scored by #27 Mason Marchment, which made it a 5-2 game going into the third period.

After a goaltender change for the Avs at the start of the third period, both teams struggled to capitalize on their great scoring opportunities as Avs’ #41 Scott Wedgewood and Stars’ #29 Oettinger were able to keep the score at a standstill until the last two minutes of the game. #24 Hintz scored the last goal of the game which helped the Stars to secure their 6-2 win. The Stars now lead this series 3-2 after their victorious performance in Game 5 of the series. 

The standout players

Dallas Stars 

• Forward: #53 Wyatt Johnston (2G, 1A) and #96 Mikko Rantanen (1G, 2A) ended the game with 3 points 

• Defensemen: #55 Thomas Harley scored one of the six Stars goals of this game

• Goaltender: #29 Jake Oettinger had a save percentage of 0.929% after he saved 26 out of 28 shots on goal

Colorado Avalanche 

• Forward: #29 Nathan MacKinnon (1G, 1A) and #88 Martin Necas (2A) ended the game with 2 points 

• Defensemen: #7 assisted one goal

• Goaltender: #39 Mackenzie Blackwood initially started out in net for the Avs and had a save percentage of 0.722% after he saved 13 out of 18 shots on goal before #41 Scott Wedgewood took over in the third period of the game. #41 Wedgewood ended the game with a 1.000 save percentage after he saved all 8 shots on goal that he faced. 

Stats

• The Avs outshot the Stars (28 SOG vs. 27 SOG)

• The Avs delivered more hits than the Stars (51 hits vs. 29 hits)

• The Stars won more faceoffs than the Avs (55.4% vs 44.6%) 

• The Stars had a higher power play success rate than the Avs (25 PP% vs. 0 PP%)

SUMMARY: Despite playing a more physical game, the Avs struggled to capitalize on their power play opportunities which greatly hindered them. Their struggles helped fuel the Stars’ momentum throughout this game and ultimately led to the Stars’ 6-2 win. 

Upcoming Games

GAME 6

• When: May 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM PST

• Where: Ball Arena 

• Watch: TBS, Sling TV

The Dallas Stars lead 3-2 in round one of the playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche 

Who do you think is going to win Game 6?

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Come back for the next 2025 Stanley Cup Round One Western Conference game recap!