DENVER – The Dallas Stars are headed back to the NHL Western Conference Finals after defeating the Colorado Avalanche 2- 1.
In the thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested series, the Stars emerged victorious, defeating the Avalanche in a nail-biting double-overtime showdown.
The game-winning goal, a moment that will live on in Stars history, was delivered by none other than former Avalanche standout, Matt Duchene.
Duchene sent the stars to the finals by skating behind Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev, securing a loose puck, and shooting it over Georgiev’s head for the go-ahead score.
The move ended the game and dashed the hopes of the Avalanche, ending their 2023-24 season.
Duchene could be seen streaking down the ice on one knee, right fist in the air as he and the Stars celebrated the OT thriller.
“Just elation,” said Duchene to reporters after the game.
“I was so tired, I started skating and then I got tired. I don’t even know what I did after that, to be honest with you. I was pretty pumped up.”
The Stars’ journey to the finals has been nothing short of cinematic, first defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Las Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, now the Avalanche.
“The dream’s still alive,” said Stars forward Joe Pavelski.
Goalie Jake Oettinger had a remarkable night with 29 saves with one of his biggest, a close-range shot from Artturi Lehkonen down low midway through the second OT.
Dallas will Stars face the winner of the Vancouver-Edmonton series as fans are already securing their seats, eager to witness the next chapter in what could be a historic playoff run.
This victory marks the Stars’ third trip to the Western Conference Finals in five seasons.
Dallas hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since Mike Madono helped lead the Stars to win it all in 1999.
Travis Tyler