Dallas Stars Dominate Colorado, Push Avalanche To Brink

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, passes the puck in the second period of Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche, Monday, May 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP

The Dallas Stars secured a commanding 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series, putting the Avalanche on the brink of elimination. Wyatt Johnston, celebrating his 21st birthday, played a pivotal role in the Stars' win by scoring two goals, including a shorthanded and power-play goal.

With this win, the Stars now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and have the opportunity to close it out at home in Game 5 on Wednesday. Miro Heiskanen, Evgenii Dadonov, and Sam Steel also contributed to the scoring for Dallas, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 24 saves to stifle the Avalanche's offense.

Prior to the game, the NHL announced the suspension of Valeri Nichushkin for at least six months without pay, placing him in stage 3 of the league's player assistance program. Nichushkin's absence was felt as the Avalanche struggled to find their rhythm, missing his offensive prowess as the team's leading goal scorer in the playoffs.

Johnston scores shorthanded and power-play goals.

Stars lead series 3-1, one win away from advancing.

Nichushkin suspended, Toews out sick for Avalanche.

Oettinger makes 24 saves for Dallas.

Stars lead 3-0 in the second period.

Johnston becomes 8th player to score 10+ playoff goals under 21.

Mittelstadt scores Avalanche's lone goal.

Physical altercation leads to penalties at the end of the first period.

Colorado was further hampered by the late scratch of defenseman Devon Toews due to illness, leaving gaps in their defense that the Stars capitalized on to build a 3-0 lead in the second period. Johnston's milestone of scoring his 10th and 11th career playoff goals at the age of 20 made him only the eighth player in NHL history to achieve double-digit postseason goals at such a young age.

Despite efforts to regroup, the Avalanche couldn't overcome the early deficit, with Casey Mittelstadt scoring their lone goal of the game. The frustration boiled over at the end of the first period, with penalties assessed to both teams after a physical altercation.

The Stars' dominance in the series was evident as they have yet to trail in regulation, outscoring the Avalanche 6-0 in the opening period across all games. Colorado will need to regroup quickly to avoid elimination in the upcoming Game 5.

With standout performances and strategic gameplay, the Dallas Stars have positioned themselves as strong contenders in the quest for the Stanley Cup, while the Colorado Avalanche face a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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