It was the first meeting of the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars of the 2026-27 season, and the fierce rivalry and tension did not disappoint!
The Dallas Stars made things interesting in the third period, but an explosive second period from Martin Necas and a solid outing from Mackenzie Blackwood made the difference.
First Period
The game started with both the Stars and Avalanche gauging each other, but halfway through the frame, Artturi Lehkonen got the scoring started.
A point shot caught traffic in front, and Lehky worked hard in the slot, backhanding one through Jake Oettinger at 11:32.
Things got a bit chippy toward the end of the opening frame when Noah Juulsen took a hit from Radek Faksa. Fedor Svechkov took exception and quickly challenged Faksa to a fight. In a controversial call, the refs issued Svechkov an instigating penalty, giving the Stars a power play.
The Stars capitalized and got a bit of luck when Tyler Seguin’s centering attempt went in off an Avalanche skate. That brought things to a late first-period tie, one goal apiece.
Second Period
The second frame got even rowdier, but the Avalanche cashed in on the chaos and started a Marty Party in the middle frame.
First, Necas slammed home a one-timer on a feed from Nathan MacKinnon to make it 2-1 Avalanche at 3:05 in the second period.
We then saw Nathan MacKinnon in his second fight of the first six games of the season, but this time he was caught on the button and left the ice bleeding. He still ended the fight sprawling on top of Roope Hintz. I’m speculating, but I’d bet that tussle stems from MacKinnon and Hintz’ past. MacKinnon returned for his next shift without question.
Later in the frame, the Avalanche would earn a 5-on-3 after Malinski was cross-checked and MacKinnon was tripped. Once again, Martin Necas scored when Landeskog collected a net-front rebound and backhanded a pass to Marty, who had nothing but net to aim at. Just like that, the Avalanche led 3-1 at 16:14 in the second frame.
Third Period
It wouldn’t be a game against the Dallas Stars without a little anxiety, so the Stars brought it to a one-goal game just 3:17 into the third period. This time, Roope Hintz let his game do the talking, scoring a timely goal with help from Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen.
That set up a contentious, heart-rate-spiking rest of the third period as the Avalanche were tested more than once as time wound down. Fortunately for Avalanche fans, Colorado’s players sold out left and right to block the puck and protect their one-goal lead, and their efforts secured a 3-2 win.
Takeaways
This was a big game for the Colorado Avalanche and an even bigger game for goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. He passed the test tonight, getting the stops Bednar called for after their loss to Toronto. This is the type of performance that could propel Blackwood’s season and confidence. The team in front of him wasn’t perfect, so Blackwood had to step up, and he did.
Martin Necas was on a mission tonight, and his two goals dictated the outcome. MacKinnon and Lehkonen were going too. All in all, aside from a few breakdowns, the Avalanche played a solid game, with a competitive level we haven’t seen too often so far. Stealing one in Dallas without Cale Makar is impressive.
I guess Nathan MacKinnon is a goon now, with a fight in Colorado’s two biggest games so far.
I, for one, love seeing Nate chuck ’em but naturally worry about him sustaining an injury in the process. He was bloodied tonight, but it’s kinda weird if Nate’s nose isn’t bleeding by the end of the game.
Up Next
The Avalanche will take a quick flight back to Denver and prepare for their second back-to-back with Dallas tomorrow night on home ice at Ball Arena!
Let us know what you thought of the game in the comments!
