The Dallas Stars came into Game 2 knowing full well that falling into a 2-0 series hole at home would be disastrous. After a crushing loss in Game 1, they responded the way battle-tested playoff teams do—with grit, composure, and just enough chaos to even the series. Their 5-4 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy as hell.
Here are five key takeaways from a wild night in Dallas:
1️⃣ Wyatt Johnston Is Built for the Big Stage Stars-Avs Game 2
Johnston continues to show that age is just a number. The 20-year-old center played like a seasoned vet all night, constantly driving the play and eventually tying the game late in the third with a laser that beat Georgiev glove side. He’s not just a rising star—he’s already one of Dallas’ most reliable forwards.
“He’s fearless,” said head coach Pete DeBoer postgame. “Every big moment, he’s there.”
2️⃣ Dallas Fixed the Start… Sort Of Stars-Avs Game 2
The Stars were much better out of the gate compared to Game 1, scoring the opening goal and controlling puck possession early. But the lead evaporated fast, and defensive breakdowns allowed Colorado to storm back. While the start was promising, the middle frame was still shaky—Dallas is going to need a full 60-minute effort to take control of this series.
3️⃣ Jake Oettinger: Resilient When It Matters
It wasn’t Oettinger’s sharpest game statistically, but he made some critical saves when it counted—especially in OT. After a couple of uncharacteristic rebounds earlier in the game, he locked it down in crunch time, including a point-blank stop on MacKinnon that kept Dallas alive.
Oettinger’s ability to bounce back from rough stretches is what makes him so dangerous in a long series.
4️⃣ Avs Still Dangerous—Especially MacKinnon
Let’s be real: Nathan MacKinnon is a problem. The Avs’ top line created havoc all game, and if not for some timely stops and defensive heroics, Colorado could have easily walked out with a 2-0 series lead. Dallas can’t relax just because they got one back—MacKinnon looks like he’s in full destroy-mode this postseason.
5️⃣ This Was a Must-Win—and Dallas Played Like It
You could feel the desperation. Hits were heavier, forechecks were faster, and every line was grinding. When your season’s teetering on the edge, effort can make the difference—and the Stars showed they’re not going down easy. The overtime winner may have come from a broken play, but it was earned through hustle.
“We knew what was at stake,” said Jamie Benn. “We weren’t leaving this building down 0-2.”
🏁 Bottom Line
The series shifts to Denver tied 1-1, and momentum has flipped—at least for now. Game 2 was a gritty, emotional response from Dallas, but the Avalanche aren’t going anywhere. If anything, this is shaping up to be one of the most intense matchups of the postseason.
Buckle up. Game 3 is going to be a war. 💥
