DENVER — Cale Makar delivered an electrifying performance by scoring just 34 seconds into overtime, ultimately securing a 4-3 victory for the Colorado Avalanche against the Dallas Stars on Sunday. This thrilling win came as the Avalanche overcame the loss of a two-goal lead late in the game, during the return of former team member Mikko Rantanen.
Despite leading 3-1 in the third period, Colorado witnessed the Stars making a comeback with goals from Mavrik Bourque and Matt Duchene within just 20 seconds of each other, tying the game. In overtime, Makar showcased his skill by maneuvering through the Dallas defense and sending a wrist shot past goaltender Jake Oettinger. This marked an impressive three-point game for Makar as the Avalanche celebrated their ninth consecutive victory on home ice.
Adding to the scoreboard for the Avalanche were Valeri Nichushkin, Jonathan Drouin, and Martin Necas, contributing to the team’s win, while Scott Wedgewood made 19 saves. Mikko Rantanen, a favorite among fans, spent almost ten years with Colorado before being traded in a three-team deal. This deal, completed on January 24, saw Rantanen move to Carolina, bringing Necas to Colorado, and subsequently leading to Rantanen’s transfer to the Stars on March 7.
In this matchup, Jason Robertson kicked off the scoring for the Stars with an assist from Rantanen, while Oettinger made 32 saves against the Avalanche. Colorado emerged victorious in the season series, winning two out of three games as the home team triumphed in each. Looking ahead, these two Central Division rivals might meet in the postseason, potentially facing off in the first round. The teams previously encountered each other in a second-round series last season, where the Stars emerged victorious in six games.
Key takeaways from the game include the return of Stars’ center Roope Hintz, who had been sidelined for two games due to an upper-body injury and provided an assist upon his return. The Avalanche struggled slightly on power play opportunities, converting just one out of five.
A noteworthy moment in the game came with Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon extending his home-point streak to 21 games, assisting on Makar’s game-winning goal in overtime. Mikko Rantanen also achieved a personal milestone with his 400th career assist.
Up next, the Stars are set to begin a four-game homestand against Anaheim on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are embarking on a three-game road trip, with their first stop in Toronto on Wednesday.
