Avalanche Snap Stars' Streak
Colorado ended Dallas's 10-game win streak with a 5-4 shootout victory, with Valeri Nichushkin tying the game with just 15 seconds left in regulation. The dramatic comeback win keeps the Avalanche in playoff contention while dealing a blow to the Stars' momentum.
The victory for the NHL-leading Avalanche widened their lead in the Central Division to seven points over the second-place Stars. Dallas had not experienced a loss since January 22. The game marked a potential preview of a future playoff matchup between the two division rivals, who also met in the 2025 postseason. Valeri Nichushkin's game-tying goal snapped his personal nine-game goal drought, though he had contributed seven assists during that period. The clutch score was his 13th of the season. Before finding the back of the net, Nichushkin had been snakebitten, hitting both posts on a single shot earlier in the third period. The game was the first since both teams made moves at the NHL trade deadline. The Avalanche re-acquired center Nazem Kadri, who was part of their 2022 Stanley Cup championship run. The Stars added 6-foot-8 defenseman Tyler Myers and forward Michael Bunting to bolster their depth. None of the newly acquired players suited up for this contest. Colorado's comeback was aided by a key goaltending change. After starter Mackenzie Blackwood allowed four goals on just 11 shots, he was replaced by former Stars backup Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood stopped all 10 shots he faced in regulation and overtime, and then denied both Dallas attempts in the shootout against his old teammates Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene.
