## Stars Crush Avalanche 5-1 in Game 4, Secure 3-1 Series Lead
### Dallas Dominates from Start to Finish
The Dallas Stars put on a dominant performance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, crushing the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
### Fast Start for Dallas
The Stars set the tone early, scoring twice in the opening period. Joe Pavelski opened the scoring with a power-play goal just over seven minutes into the game, followed by a goal from Jamie Benn less than four minutes later.
### Avalanche Frustrated
The Avalanche, who were looking to even the series, had a frustrating night. They were unable to generate much offense and struggled to penetrate the Stars’ defense. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado’s leading scorer, was held without a point.
### Stars Extend Lead in Second
The Stars extended their lead to 3-0 in the second period with a goal from Roope Hintz. The Avalanche finally got on the scoreboard with a power-play goal from Mikko Rantanen late in the period, but it was too little too late.
### Strong Finish for Dallas
Dallas put the game away in the third period with two more goals from Blake Comeau and Michael Raffl. The Stars were relentless in their attack, peppering Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper with shots.
### Kuemper Pulled
With just over six minutes remaining in the game, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar pulled Kuemper in favor of Jonas Johansson. However, Johansson was unable to stop the Stars’ onslaught.
### Impressive Performance from Oettinger
Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger was brilliant in net, stopping 34 of 35 shots. He was particularly impressive in the second period, when the Avalanche peppered him with shots but were unable to score.
### Stars One Win Away
The Stars now need just one more win to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Game 5 will be played in Colorado on Saturday night. If the Stars win, they will face either the New York Rangers or the Edmonton Oilers in the championship series.
Kind regards R. Bauer.
