Game 5 marked a dramatic shift for Dallas, as the Stars dominated the Colorado Avalanche 6-2 to take a 3-2 series lead and set the stage to close it out in Game 6 on Thursday.
Was the Game 5 performance a fluke, or a preview of what’s to come? Let’s break down three key factors the Stars will want to carry over into Game 6:
The Stars Get Physical
One of the most noticeable differences in Game 5 was the Stars’ newfound physical edge. Led by rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel, who has a series-high 20 hits, the Stars were not only aggressive but also strategic in their physical play. Bichsel was seen smiling at the crowd while sitting in the penalty box after a late-game scrum earned him a 10-minute misconduct.
In a series where Colorado has occasionally outmuscled Dallas, leading to costly penalties, the Stars flipped the script by frustrating the Avalanche – especially forward Nathan MacKinnon. The Stars made it a point to target MacKinnon, who has tallied five goals and seven points in the series.
If Dallas continues this style in Game 6, it could wear down the Avalanche and create the type of game that favors the Stars’ depth and resilience. The physicality isn’t just about hits – it’s about setting a tone and controlling the pace of play. If Dallas brings the same intensity, they’ll be in a strong position to finish the job.
Top Performers Stepped Up
After struggling to find consistent production from their top players earlier in the series, Game 5 saw Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, and Matt Duchene all make their mark on the scoresheet.
Rantanen, who had been underperforming by his high standards, finally broke through with a goal and two assists, giving the Stars much-needed offensive firepower. Johnston scored twice – including the fastest goal ever to start a playoff game for the Stars just nine seconds in – while Hintz added an empty-netter and Duchene contributed his first point of the series. Hintz and Duchene had primary assists as well.
The performance of these four players was essential in Dallas’ Game 5 victory, showing that the Stars’ playmakers were finally stepping up when it counted. For Dallas to advance, they’ll need these players to keep producing and drive the offense moving forward.
Colorado’s Struggles to Close the Gap
Despite strong individual performances from MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche struggled to overcome Dallas’ depth. While MacKinnon continues to be an offensive powerhouse, the rest of Colorado’s roster was not able to match the Stars’ balanced attack in Game 5.
At times, MacKinnon has looked like the Avs only weapon, and he has shown frustration with his teammates. If the Stars can continue their balanced attack, the Avs will likely need to rely on more than MacKinnon and Makar.
Players to Watch
Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
Blackwood allowed five goals on 18 shots Monday before being pulled in favor of Scott Wedgewood at the start of the third period. After posting a shutout in Game 4, the 28-year-old netminder struggled in Game 5. How Blackwood rebounds could be crucial to Thursday’s outcome.
Stars defenseman Thomas Harley
Harley scored a goal on two shots, finished plus-2, and blocked three shots in Monday’s 6-2 win. Harley’s shot deflected off Blackwood for the Stars’ second goal. The 23-year-old defenseman is in strong form, with two goals, two assists, a plus-1 rating. Harley has been a weapon for the Stars, both on the power play and at even strength.
How to watch: Puck drop at 8:30 p.m. (Probably closer to 9 p.m.) from Ball Arena in Denver. Watch on Victory+ and TBS. Listen to the radio call on The Ticket.
Dallas Stars Lineup
Mikael Granlund (64) – Roope Hintz (24) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Evgenii Dadonov (63)
Oskar Bäck (10) – Sam Steel (18) – Colin Blackwell (15)
Thomas Harley (55) – Ilya Lyubushkin (46)
Esa Lindell (23) – Cody Ceci (44)
Lian Bichsel (6) – Alex Petrovic (28)
Jake Oettinger (29)
Casey DeSmith (1)
Colorado Avalanche Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Martin Necas (88)
Gabriel Landeskog (92) – Brock Nelson (11) – Valeri Nichushkin (13)
Jonathan Drouin (27) – Charlie Coyle (10) – Joel Kiviranta (94)
Parker Kelly (17) – Jack Drury (18) – Logan O’Connor (25)
Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Ryan Lindgren (55) – Josh Manson (42)
Samuel Girard (49) – Sam Malinski (70)
Mackenzie Blackwood (39)
Scott Wedgewood (41)