DALLAS — Colin Blackwell hoped for another chance at the NHL playoffs when he signed with the Dallas Stars during free agency this past summer. Now skating for his sixth team in seven seasons, Blackwell had only tasted the postseason once before.
After being a healthy scratch in the Stars’ playoff opener, Blackwell seized his opportunity, significantly impacting their first-round matchup against Colorado. His overtime goal clinched a 4-3 victory in Game 2 on Monday night.
“I’ve always felt my style of play is suited for the playoffs,” Blackwell expressed. “I thrive on rising to the challenge and playing in pivotal moments. Securing that win was crucial. Going to Colorado down 2-0 would have changed the series entirely. It’s about your next win or your next shift.”
Before this, Blackwell’s sole playoff experience came with Toronto in a seven-game first-round loss to Tampa Bay three years ago. Stars coach Pete DeBoer encouraged Blackwell when he was left out of Game 1, reinforcing that his time would come.
“(I) told him to stay ready; his absence wouldn’t be long,” DeBoer remarked. “I wanted his energy in Game 2 after our loss in Game 1. His competitiveness showed throughout the night, and it was a joy watching him score, especially after his resilience and hard work leading up to this game.”
Blackwell’s game-winning goal, scored 17:46 into overtime, followed a ricochet off teammate Sam Steel and Avs defenseman Samuel Girard near the net. The puck rolled free, allowing Blackwell to loop around and secure the decisive goal.
The 32-year-old Harvard graduate, who spent the previous two seasons with Chicago, has had his share of shifting roles in lineups. In his debut season with Dallas, he registered 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) across 63 games.
“It’s been a lengthy season, and being left out of the first game was tough, but I’ve had to navigate similar situations,” Blackwell noted. “I focus on playing hockey fearlessly, and usually, things turn out well.”
His efforts were critical for the Stars, averting a scenario where they might drop their initial two home games in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The series continues Wednesday in Denver for Game 3.
“Colin is one of those hard-working guys,” commented Tyler Seguin, who recently returned after a significant four-and-a-half-month hiatus following hip surgery. “Observing his dedication in the gym and overall athleticism, like his basketball skills, makes us proud to see him succeed.”