With the Dallas Stars’ thrilling game six victory over the Colorado Avalanche a couple nights ago, today we’re going to look at another thrilling series victory over an old rival. This seven game series also kicked off a rivalry that would see these two (future) divisional foes meet in the playoffs six times in the last 26 years.
Down 3-2 in the series
After losing game one to a red hot Avalanche team who just knocked off the two time cup winning Detroit Red Wings, the Stars would answer winning two straight to go up in the series 2-1. However, the Avs decided to put on a two game winning streak of their own. Game five in Dallas saw Colorado put the Stars behind the eight ball. Winning that contest with a chance to eliminate Dallas game six in Denver.
Not only did the Stars fall behind in the series, they lost their identity in the contest. Colorado won 7-5 over a team that doesn’t get into those kinds of shootouts. Dallas did have guys who could score like Mike Modano, and Brett Hull. But they were a blue collar, defense, and goaltending team first.
Game seven celebration
After shutting down the Avalanche in Denver for game six, game seven was more of the same. The Stars would close out the series win an impressive 4-1 win to win the playoff series 4-3.
Hosting a game seven in Dallas proved to be the ticket to punch for a Dallas first, Stanley Cup finals appearance. Much like game six in 2024, Dallas’ defense contained a high powered Avalanche offensive attack that was limited to just one goal.
Ken Hitchcock’s house painters
Former Stars’ head coach Ken Hitchcock was well known for his style of coaching. Known to be blue collar in nature, Hitchcock preached a hard working game strong on all details of play. During his time in Dallas, he turned the Stars into a juggernaut who could not only slow down, but handle the high flying Avs.
While his squad briefly deviated from their play in that game five, the Stars refound their identity and won the last two of the seven game series. Defeating the artists in a matchup of two teams who found nearly completely different ways of winning games heading into their series.