Dallas Stars Seize Control with Commanding Game 5 Victory Over Colorado Avalanche

Game 5 witnessed a seismic shift for the Dallas Stars as they thrashed the Colorado Avalanche 6-2, gaining a 3-2 series edge and priming themselves to clinch the series in Game 6 on Thursday.

Is the stellar Game 5 showing an anomaly, or a glimpse into what lies ahead? Let’s dissect three essential factors the Stars need to replicate in Game 6:

The Stars Bring the Physicality
A major transformation in Game 5 was the Stars’ newfound physical dominance. Spearheaded by rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel, who boasts a series-high 20 hits, the Stars not only unleashed aggression but did so shrewdly. Bichsel playfully engaged with the crowd from the penalty box after earning a 10-minute misconduct from a late-game altercation.

In a series where Colorado sometimes overpowered Dallas, resulting in costly penalties, the Stars flipped the script, exasperating the Avalanche and especially forward Nathan MacKinnon. Targeting MacKinnon, who has notched five goals and seven points, was a strategic move by the Stars.

If the Stars maintain this approach in Game 6, they could exhaust the Avalanche and cultivate a game in which Dallas’ depth and resilience thrive. Physicality isn’t just about the hits; it’s about dictating play’s tempo. Bringing the same fervor will put Dallas in a prime position to seal the series.

Standout Performers Shine
Having struggled to garner steady contributions from their top talents earlier in the series, Game 5 marked a turning point as Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, and Matt Duchene each made significant strides on the scoreboard.

Rantanen, who had been falling short of his standards, finally made a breakthrough with a goal and two assists, providing the Stars with vital offensive firepower. Johnston scored twice — including the quickest playoff goal in Stars’ history just nine seconds in — while Hintz added an empty-netter and Duchene recorded his first series point, both adding primary assists as well.

These performances were pivotal in the Stars’ Game 5 triumph, underscoring that Dallas’ playmakers rose to the occasion. For Dallas to advance, sustained production and offensive drive from these players are crucial.

Avalanche’s Struggle to Close the Gap
Although Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar delivered strong individual performances, the Avalanche failed to overcome Dallas’ depth. MacKinnon continues as an offensive juggernaut, yet Colorado’s broader roster could not match the Stars’ balanced offensive onslaught in Game 5.

At times, MacKinnon has appeared to be Colorado’s lone weapon, visibly frustrated with his teammates. If the Stars continue their balanced attack, the Avalanche will require more than just MacKinnon and Makar’s contributions.

Key Players to Watch Avalanche Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood encountered a challenging night, allowing five goals on 18 shots before being replaced by Scott Wedgewood at the start of the third period. After a shutout performance in Game 4, the 28-year-old goalie faltered in Game 5. His rebound in Game 6 could be pivotal.

Stars Defenseman Thomas Harley delivered a strong performance, scoring on one of two shots, finishing with a plus-2 rating, and blocking three shots in the 6-2 victory. Harley’s shot redirected off Blackwood for the Stars’ second goal. The 23-year-old has been an asset, excelling in both power plays and even-strength situations.

Watching Options: Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. (likely closer to 9 p.m.) at Ball Arena in Denver. Viewers can catch it live on Victory+ and TBS. Audio coverage is available on The Ticket.

Dallas Stars Lineup
Mikael Granlund (64) – Roope Hintz (24) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Evgenii Dadonov (63)
Oskar Bäck (10) – Sam Steel (18) – Colin Blackwell (15)

Thomas Harley (55) – Ilya Lyubushkin (46)
Esa Lindell (23) – Cody Ceci (44)
Lian Bichsel (6) – Alex Petrovic (28)

Jake Oettinger (29)
Casey DeSmith (1)

Colorado Avalanche Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Martin Necas (88)
Gabriel Landeskog (92) – Brock Nelson (11) – Valeri Nichushkin (13)
Jonathan Drouin (27) – Charlie Coyle (10) – Joel Kiviranta (94)
Parker Kelly (17) – Jack Drury (18) – Logan O’Connor (25)

Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Ryan Lindgren (55) – Josh Manson (42)
Samuel Girard (49) – Sam Malinski (70)
Mackenzie Blackwood (39)
Scott Wedgewood (41).