Wyatt Johnston marked the eve of his 21st birthday with an outstanding display, scoring both short-handed and power-play goals as the Dallas Stars overcame the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 in Game 4. This pivotal victory has now placed Colorado on the brink of elimination.
The Stars, riding high on momentum, have the opportunity to secure their place in the next round with a win in Game 5 on their home turf. Stars coach Pete DeBoer couldn’t help but praise Johnston, stating, “He came out possessed tonight. He was all over the rink. Just fantastic, fantastic young hockey player that’s going to be a cornerstone.”
The Avalanche’s Struggle Without Nichushkin
The Avalanche faced a significant setback about an hour before the game when it was announced that Valeri Nichushkin would be suspended for at least six months, as he was placed in stage 3 of the league’s player assistance program.
Despite this challenge, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar remained resilient, emphasizing, “We’re not going to use that as an excuse. We can’t and we won’t. You have to be mentally tough.” This setback seemed to impact the team’s performance, particularly in the first period where they only managed two shots on goal.
Early Game Dominance by Dallas
The absence of key players like Nichushkin and defenseman Devon Toews was keenly felt by the Avalanche, who struggled to contain the offensive onslaught from Dallas. The Stars established a commanding 3-0 lead by the second period, with contributions from Miro Heiskanen, Evgenii Dadonov, and a late empty-netter by Sam Steel.
Their ability to dominate from the start of the game was a crucial factor, as they have yet to trail in regulation throughout the series.
Johnston’s Milestone and Team Impact
Turning 21 the next day, Johnston not only contributed significantly to the scoreboard but also etched his name in the NHL records as the eighth player in history to score double-digit postseason goals before turning 21.
After the game, his teammates celebrated with a candy-bar cake, highlighting the camaraderie and supportive atmosphere within the team. Despite an injury to Roope Hintz, the Stars showed depth and resilience, crucial for deep playoff runs.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
As the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 5, both teams understand the stakes. The Avalanche, facing elimination, must regroup and harness whatever advantages they can muster.
Coach DeBoer of the Stars anticipates a tough battle, acknowledging, “They’re not going to go down quietly. We’re going to anticipate that the next game is going to be the toughest to win.”
This sentiment reflects the intensity and unpredictability of playoff hockey, where each game can dramatically shift the momentum of a series.
