Imagine a hockey game so intense, it felt like a playoff showdown in the middle of October. That’s exactly what went down on Saturday night in Denver, where the Dallas Stars edged out the Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a statement win for the Stars, or a missed opportunity for the Avalanche to prove their early-season dominance? Let’s dive in.
The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with momentum swinging like a pendulum. Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen sealed the deal in the shootout, while Jake Oettinger played the role of hero, stopping Nathan MacKinnon on Colorado’s final attempt. Oettinger’s 35 saves through overtime and two more in the shootout were nothing short of clutch, spoiling what could’ve been a celebratory night for Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns. Speaking of Burns, he reached a monumental milestone—his 1,500th career game—and extended his ironman streak to 928 games, the fourth longest in NHL history. And this is the part most people miss: Despite Burns’ historic achievement, the Avalanche couldn’t capitalize on the emotional high, leaving fans wondering if they’re still finding their rhythm this season.
Dallas didn’t make it easy, with Thomas Harley chipping in a goal and an assist, and Nathan Bastian and Robertson scoring just 3:03 apart in the second period to take a 3-2 lead. Rantanen, who single-handedly eliminated the Avalanche in last spring’s playoffs with a hat trick, struck again, this time beating Scott Wedgewood for the shootout winner. Wedgewood, to his credit, stopped 18 shots and one in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough.
The game had it all—fights, shoving matches, and a playoff-like intensity. Marty Necas and MacKinnon each had a goal and two assists for Colorado, but Oettinger shut them down when it mattered most. Artturi Lehkonen tied it 3-3 early in the third, only for Wyatt Johnston to respond with a breakaway goal just 1:24 later. MacKinnon’s power-play goal midway through the third forced overtime, but the Avalanche couldn’t close the deal.
Gavin Brindley’s first career goal gave Colorado a 2-1 lead in the second period, but the Stars’ resilience proved too much. Now, the Stars head home to host the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, while the Avalanche hit the road to face the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. Here’s the burning question: Is this Avalanche team as dominant as we thought, or are the Stars emerging as a serious contender? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
