Avalanche Take 3-2 Series Lead with 5-3 Win
Cale Makar’s two goals, including the game-winner midway through the third period, gave the Colorado Avalanche a 5-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinal series on Tuesday night in Denver.
The Avalanche now hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, which resumes with Game 6 in Dallas on Thursday night.
Makar, who also had an assist, scored his first goal on a power play at 17:10 of the first period. His second goal came at 10:46 of the third period, breaking a 3-3 tie.
Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky and Mikko Rantanen also scored for the Avalanche, who are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Final for the third straight season.
Jason Robertson, Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski scored for the Stars, who are looking to avoid a second consecutive elimination game at home.
Avalanche goalie Darcy Kuemper made 35 saves for the win, while Stars goalie Jake Oettinger made 27 saves.
The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on Kadri’s goal at 6:05 of the first period. Kadri’s shot from the left circle beat Oettinger high to the glove side.
The Stars tied it up on Robertson’s goal at 13:04 of the first period. Robertson’s shot from the right circle beat Kuemper low to the stick side.
Makar gave the Avalanche a 2-1 lead on his power-play goal at 17:10 of the first period. Makar’s shot from the left point beat Oettinger high to the blocker side.
The Stars tied it up again on Benn’s goal at 6:12 of the second period. Benn’s shot from the left circle beat Kuemper high to the glove side.
Burakovsky gave the Avalanche a 3-2 lead at 10:43 of the second period. Burakovsky’s shot from the slot beat Oettinger low to the stick side.
The Stars tied it up for the third time on Pavelski’s goal at 17:23 of the second period. Pavelski’s shot from the slot beat Kuemper high to the blocker side.
Makar scored the game-winner at 10:46 of the third period. Makar’s shot from the top of the right circle beat Oettinger high to the glove side.
Rantanen added an empty-net goal at 18:53 of the third period to seal the win.
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