The avalanche vs stars contest concluded with Colorado prevailing 3-2, delivering a narrow win on Oct. 13, 2026. Both clubs entered the game with mixed early‑season results, but the Avalanche managed to edge out the Stars in a closely fought encounter.
Game recap: avalanche vs stars
Colorado, holding a 3‑2‑0 record, faced Dallas, which stood at 2‑2‑1. The matchup took place at 6:30 p.m. MT in Dallas, marking the first meeting of a home‑and‑away series.
Colorado Avalanche outlook
The Avalanche were seeking to rebound after a recent defeat to Toronto. Analysts noted defensive lapses and questions surrounding goaltending, but also highlighted the team's potential to contend for the Stanley Cup based on its victories. The coaching staff emphasized the need for a more structured, playoff‑style defensive effort to secure a series split or sweep.
Dallas Stars situation
The Stars arrived after a 2‑1 shootout loss in Pittsburgh. Their offense had struggled, scoring one goal or fewer in each of their three defeats, including a shutout in their home opener. Former Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen contributed six points (two goals, four assists) for Dallas, but overall scoring remained an issue.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger entered the game with impressive numbers: a 0.74 GAA, .963 save percentage and two shutouts in four starts. Historically, Oettinger holds a 7‑3‑3 regular‑season record against Colorado, with a .911 save percentage and a 3.05 GAA, though he has allowed 40 goals to the Avalanche this season—the highest total against any single opponent.
Key player matchups
Mackenzie Blackwood was slated to start for Colorado, aiming to silence critics after a 17‑save effort against Toronto. If Blackwood faltered, former Star Scott Wedgewood was positioned to take over the net duties for the following night.
Dallas relied on Oettinger’s steady play, while the Stars’ forward line continued to search for consistency. The game’s tight scoreline reflected both teams’ defensive focus and the importance of special‑teams execution.
What comes next?
With the series set to reverse venues, the Avalanche will look to tighten their defensive structure and capitalize on power‑play opportunities. The Stars, meanwhile, aim to improve scoring depth and maintain Oettinger’s strong goaltending performance as they head back to Colorado.
For fans interested in broader regional conditions that could affect travel, see the Colorado Winter Weather Advisory article.
Sources: Mile High Hockey, NHL.com, Yahoo, ESPN.
