Avalanche Baffle NHL Fans in Game 2 Loss as Stars Shut Down MacKinnon, Makar

The Dallas Stars have evened the series against the Colorado Avalanche after a 5-3 win Thursday night.

It was all Dallas through the first two periods as the Stars took a 4-0 lead thanks to a pair of goals from Miro Heiskanen and a goal each from Roop Hintz and Tyler Seguin. The Avalanche applied some pressure in the third period after goals from Joel Kiviranta, Brandon Duhaime and Valeri Nichushkin, but Dallas ultimately capitalized on an empty Colorado net to make it a two-goal game in the final minute.

The Stars did an excellent job of shutting down Colorado stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, who have had goals or assists in all of the Avalanche playoff games so far. Dallas prevented MacKinnon and Makar from notching any points on Thursday.

The loss left NHL fans confused by the lack of production from the two stars.

The Stars now head to Colorado with a manageable series after avoiding going down 2-0, but things won't be easy on the road. The Avalanche had all the momentum in the third period, but ultimately came up short in their comeback hopes.

If Colorado can put together a full game rather than waiting until the final period to show up, it should fare better in Game 3.

The best-of-seven series will continue on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.