Avalanche and Stars Set for Penultimate Showdown

The top teams in the Central Division battle for playoff positioning

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, two of the top teams in the NHL, will face off on March 6th in a crucial late-season matchup. The Avalanche currently sit atop the Central Division, while the Stars are close behind in second place. This will be the penultimate regular-season meeting between the two clubs, with another matchup scheduled for March 18th in Denver.

Why it matters

The Avalanche and Stars staged an epic playoff series last spring, and their regular-season battles this year could determine the division champion as well as the top overall seed in the Western Conference. With both teams jockeying for position, this showdown has major implications for the postseason.

The details

The Avalanche and Stars have been two of the NHL's best teams all season long. Colorado leads the Central Division with a 75.8% points percentage, while Dallas is close behind at 69.7%. In their previous matchups this year, the teams have split the season series 1-1. This latest clash will be a chance for both squads to gain an edge heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

  • The Avalanche and Stars will face off on March 6th in Dallas.
  • They will meet again on March 18th in Denver.

The players

Avalanche

An American professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado and a member of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Stars

A professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas and a member of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.