Dallas Stars defeat Avalanche 4-2, advance in NHL playoffs

The Dallas Stars staged a dramatic third-period comeback to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 7, advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Former Avalanche player Mikko Rantanen led Dallas with a hat trick and an assist, scoring twice in six minutes to erase a 2-0 Colorado lead and then sealing the win with an empty-netter. Rantanen also assisted on Wyatt Johnston's go-ahead power-play goal late in the third period, marking his second four-point period in the series and becoming only the second player in NHL history to record four points in the third period of a Game 7. The Avalanche's struggles in Game 7s continued, with coach Jared Bednar and star Nathan MacKinnon remaining winless in such games, while Stars coach Pete DeBoer improved to a perfect 9-0 record in Game 7s. With this victory, Dallas awaits the winner of the St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets series to determine their second-round opponent.