Defense hinders the Dallas Stars against the Colorado Avalanche
By Brian Sweet
![Apr 1, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) smiles after scoring against the Dallas Stars in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports Apr 1, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) smiles after scoring against the Dallas Stars in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bd93553e4aaa5776a7031290dcf3e2f6bf30abb219a384178bb5eaf8c89f1afb.jpg)
We can add this game to a very long list where the Stars’ defense was to blame for the loss. Poor Jake Oettinger literally had no defensive help in the Stars’ zone as the Dallas Stars lost 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.
The Stars had a chance to clinch their playoff spot last night and failed to do so. The Stars did however get some help from the Vegas Golden Knights as they beat the Minnesota Wild so the Stars are still right behind them in the standings by a point. Let’s take a look at what happened against the Colorado Avalanche.
Jamie Benn speaks on tonight's loss to the Avalanche.@DallasStars | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/x3RC0PAVxz
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) April 2, 2023
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Recap: 3. Turnovers
The Stars had a lot of turnovers last night and it proved to be an issue. Let’s start off with the main one where Ryan Suter turned the puck over in neutral ice and the Avalanche scored. If the Stars want to have a deep playoff run, that can’t happen in the postseason. In the playoffs, all it takes is one goal from someone to swing the momentum in their team’s favor. If the Stars keep turning it over and their opponents score off of it, it will be a short playoff run.
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Recap: 2. Who was worse?
I felt like I was watching a reality TV show finale for who was the worst defenseman last night. I’m pretty sure you know which two that I’m talking about. Ryan Suter and Jani Hakanpaa were really battling each other out there last night for the worse defenseman award. I can tell you if Gordon Ramsey were our coach, you would be hearing some words that can’t be uttered on TV.
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Recap: 1. Thankful for the hockey gods
The Stars did get some help from the hockey gods last night. The Vegas Golden Knights were able to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-1 and keep them within the Stars’ reach to win the division. I think you all can give Otter a thank you for picking up those two points in Arizona the other night. Without those two points, the Stars wouldn’t be able to clinch their playoff spot at home against the Nashville Predators on Monday night.