Avalanche Defeats Stars 7-4, Forces Game 7 in Dallas

The Colorado Avalanche forced a decisive Game 7 in their first-round NHL playoff series against the Dallas Stars with a dramatic 7-4 comeback win in Game 6. Down by a goal entering the third period, Colorado rallied with Valeri Nichushkin tying the game and a fluky own goal credited to Nathan MacKinnon putting them ahead, as the puck ricocheted off Dallas' Colin Blackwell into the Stars' net. The game featured wild momentum swings, including a standout second period by Dallas' Mikko Rantanen, who tallied four points to give the Stars a temporary lead. Cale Makar played a key role for Colorado, driving the transition game and adding late empty-net insurance. The win capped off one of the most chaotic and entertaining games of the series, which now heads to a winner-take-all Game 7 in Dallas. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and high-level play, setting the stage for an anticipated series finale.