Stars vs Avalanche: Roope Hintz Scores Shootout Winner as Dallas Beats Colorado 3-2

The Dallas Stars defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a shootout on Wednesday night, October 14, 2026, after Roope Hintz scored the decisive goal in the fourth round. The thrilling Stars vs Avalanche matchup at Ball Arena in Denver featured disallowed goals, a shorthanded score and several crucial saves from Dallas goaltender Casey DeSmith.

The victory allowed Dallas to split its back-to-back games against Colorado after losing 3-2 at home the previous night.

Stars vs Avalanche Score and Game Recap

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche delivered a closely contested game that remained tied at 2-2 through regulation and overtime. Dallas eventually secured the extra point in the shootout, with Hintz providing the decisive moment.

Miro Heiskanen and Arttu Hyry scored for the Stars, while Gabriel Landeskog and Brock Nelson found the net for Colorado. The Avalanche had multiple scoring opportunities overturned or denied, making the result even more frustrating for the home team.

Dallas improved its record to 3-3-1, while Colorado moved to 4-2-1 following the defeat.

Roope Hintz Delivers the Decisive Shootout Goal

Roope Hintz proved to be the difference-maker in the shootout. His wrist shot beat Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood in the fourth round, putting pressure on the Avalanche to respond.

Casey DeSmith then secured the victory for Dallas by stopping Brock Nelson’s attempt. DeSmith stopped three of Colorado’s four shootout attempts to help the Stars escape Denver with a hard-fought win.

His performance was particularly important after both teams created dangerous chances throughout regulation and overtime.

Miro Heiskanen and Arttu Hyry Score for Dallas

Miro Heiskanen opened the scoring for Dallas, helping the Stars establish an early foothold in a challenging road game.

Arttu Hyry later delivered one of the night’s biggest moments. After stealing the puck from Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, Hyry scored shorthanded early in the third period to give Dallas a 2-1 advantage.

Hyry nearly became the overtime hero as well, but his bouncing puck struck the post instead of going into the net.

Brock Nelson capitalized on Colorado’s opportunity to recover, scoring with 11:39 remaining in the third period to tie the contest at 2-2 and force overtime.

Colorado Avalanche Have Multiple Goals Disallowed

The Avalanche vs Stars game featured several controversial and dramatic scoring moments.

Jaden Schwartz initially appeared to score in the first period, but Dallas successfully challenged the play, and officials overturned the goal because of an offside violation.

Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog also saw a goal disallowed after officials ruled that he had used a kicking motion to direct the puck into the net.

The Avalanche experienced another frustrating near miss in the third period when Gavin Brindley celebrated what appeared to be a goal. However, the puck struck both posts without crossing the goal line.

Those moments proved significant in a game decided by the smallest of margins.

Casey DeSmith Makes Key Saves for the Stars

Casey DeSmith played a vital role in the Dallas victory, finishing with 25 saves during the game before making three stops in the four-round shootout.

Colorado generated enough pressure to win, but DeSmith repeatedly kept the Stars in contention. His ability to make timely saves helped Dallas survive the Avalanche’s late push and overtime opportunities.

Dallas also suffered an injury concern when forward Oskar Back left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury. He did not return.

Cale Makar Returns to Colorado Lineup

Colorado defenseman Cale Makar returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game against Dallas.

Despite the loss, Makar’s return was an important development for the Avalanche. The defenseman and his wife also welcomed twin boys on Wednesday morning, adding a major personal milestone to an eventful day.

The Avalanche will look to respond in their next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stars vs Avalanche: Game Stats and Next Matches

Here are the key details from the latest Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche matchup.

The Stars will visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, while the Avalanche are scheduled to host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.

Final Thoughts

The Stars vs Avalanche showdown delivered an entertaining contest filled with scoring drama, overturned goals and strong goaltending. Dallas showed resilience after its previous night’s defeat, with Arttu Hyry’s shorthanded goal and Casey DeSmith’s saves setting the stage for Roope Hintz to decide the shootout.

For Colorado, the disallowed goals and missed overtime opportunity will be frustrating talking points. For Dallas, the 3-2 victory provides valuable momentum as the team continues its NHL regular-season campaign.