Stars prevail in OT to spoil Gabriel Landeskog's return for Avalanche

Field Level Media|published: Thu 24th April, 01:27 2025

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche

Apr 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) checks Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Tyler Seguin scored 5:31 into overtime, and the Dallas Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in Denver on Wednesday night to steal home ice back in their Western Conference Quarterfinal series.

Jamie Benn also scored and Jake Oettinger turned away 27 shots for Dallas, which leads the series 2-1.

Game 4 is Saturday night in Denver.

Mason Marchment carried the puck down low and backhanded a pass to Seguin as he skated toward the net. Seguin tipped it by Mackenzie Blackwood for the Stars' second overtime win of the series.

The loss spoiled the return of Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog.

Landeskog had not played since lifting the Stanley Cup on June 26, 2022. A right knee injury required four surgeries, including cartilage replacement.

He played three games with Colorado's AHL affiliate and was activated off injured reserve on Tuesday.

Landeskog received a thunderous ovation when he was introduced with the top line before the opening faceoff.

Valeri Nichushkin scored and Blackwood made 26 saves for the Avalanche, which couldn't capitalize on a four-minute power play at the end of regulation and the start of overtime.

The Stars held a 14-5 advantage in shots in the first period and created more chances but it was Colorado that scored first.

With the teams skating 4-on-4, Samuel Girard passed the puck to Nichushkin above the circles, and the winger cycled through the slot, curled around, got a screen from Brock Nelson and went in alone on Oettinger.

Nichushkin stickhandled to get the goaltender off balance and then stuffed the puck behind Oettinger's right skate at 8:09.

Dallas had a great chance in the second period when Mikael Granlund got behind the Avalanche defense and skated in on Blackwood but the goalie made the save to keep it a 1-0 game.

It stayed that way until midway through the third period. Colorado killed off one minor but 20 seconds later Nathan MacKinnon drew an interference minor. The Stars scored 10 seconds into the power play when Benn tipped Thomas Harley's pass by Blackwood at 9:18.

--Field Level Media

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