Stars secure 3-2 win over Avalanche with shootout winner

A Decisive Finish

The Dallas Stars claimed a 3-2 victory over the host Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. The game required a full shootout to determine the winner, with attendance reaching 18,107 fans. Roope Hintz was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring the winning goal in the sudden-death round to put the Stars ahead on the scoreboard.

Period Breakdown

Both teams played cautiously in the opening frame, with neither side managing to score. The first goal of the game arrived in the second period when Gabriel Landeskog of the Avalanche tapped in a shot to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Nazem Kadri and Sam Malinski provided the assists for that play.

Miro Heiskanen answered quickly for Dallas, firing a wrist shot to tie the game at 1-1. Mikko Rantanen and Thomas Harley were credited with the assists on that equalizer.

The third period saw a shift in momentum. Arttu Hyry scored an unassisted backhand goal to put the Stars up 2-1. However, Brock Nelson restored parity for Colorado with a wrist shot, assisted by Artturi Lehkonen and Nazem Kadri. The regulation score ended in a 2-2 tie, forcing the contest into overtime and a subsequent shootout.

Shootout and Records

The shootout began with Jason Robertson scoring for Dallas. Nazem Kadri responded for Colorado to keep the series close. Finally, Roope Hintz stepped up and scored a wrist shot goal to secure the 3-2 win for the Stars.

This result improved the Stars' record to 3-3-1 with 7 points, while the Avalanche fell to 4-2-1 with 9 points. The game featured strong individual efforts from both rosters, but the Stars' ability to convert in the final moments proved decisive.

Statistical Leaders

Among the top performers, Brock Nelson led the Avalanche with one goal. Nazem Kadri contributed two assists and two points for the home team. For the Stars, Miro Heiskanen recorded one goal and one point, while Mikko Rantanen added one assist. These contributions were pivotal in keeping the game competitive until the final buzzer of the shootout.

Final Thoughts

The Stars leave Denver with a valuable road win, demonstrating resilience in a tightly contested matchup. The Avalanche, despite leading at times, were unable to close out the game in regulation. The final score of 3-2 reflects a high-scoring affair that ended with a dramatic finish in front of a full house at Ball Arena.

Sources

ESPN