Stars rebound in Game 5 to put Avalanche on edge of elimination
The Dallas Stars sank the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 in Game 5 on Monday night to grab a 3-2 lead in the first-round series between the two Central Division titans.
Dallas forward Wyatt Johnston chipped in with two goals and three points, while winger Mikko Rantanen haunted his former team with the eventual game-winner as part of a three-point night.
Stars netminder Jake Oettinger was strong between the pipes, turning aside 26 of 28 shots.
The victory comes after Dallas was dominated 4-0 in Game 4.
Johnston's first tally Monday came just nine seconds into the contest, which is the fastest goal to begin a playoff game in Stars history. Defenseman Thomas Harley then scored in the final minute of the first period to double Dallas' lead.
Though Rantanen would make it 3-0 on his club's eighth shot of the game, Colorado pulled within one goal after Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon both found twine in the middle frame.
It was all Dallas the rest of the way, though, with Johnston and Mason Marchment restoring the three-goal lead before the start of the third period. Roope Hintz gave the fans some extra breathing room with an empty-netter.
Johnston, Rantanen, and Marchment all scored their first goals of the series in the victory.
Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made 13 saves on 18 shots before being replaced to start the final frame by Scott Wedgewood, who stopped all eight shots he faced in relief.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Denver.