Avalanche Fall to Stars in Shootout Despite Strong Performance

Colorado outshoots Dallas but can't solve goaltender Jake Oettinger

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:22am

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The Colorado Avalanche played a strong game against the Dallas Stars, outshooting them 34-18 through regulation and overtime. However, they were unable to beat Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, who made 33 saves. The game went to a shootout, which the Stars won, handing the Avalanche a tough loss despite their solid all-around effort.

Why it matters

This was a crucial divisional matchup between the top two teams in the Central Division. The loss keeps the Avalanche just two points ahead of the Stars in the standings, setting up an intense race for the division title down the stretch. The Avalanche's inability to solve Oettinger has become a recurring issue in their matchups with the Stars this season.

The details

Cale Makar scored the lone goal for the Avalanche, his 20th of the season, on the power play in the first period. But the Stars tied it up in the second period on a goal by Jason Robertson. The game remained tied through overtime, leading to a shootout, where the Stars prevailed. Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 17 saves in regulation and overtime.

  • The game took place on March 18, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

The players

Cale Makar

A star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who scored the team's lone goal in the game.

Jake Oettinger

The Dallas Stars' goaltender who made 33 saves to lead his team to the shootout victory.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who was pleased with his team's overall performance despite the loss.

Nathan MacKinnon

A star forward for the Colorado Avalanche who was frustrated by his inability to beat Oettinger.

Jason Robertson

The Dallas Stars forward who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“I have very little issues with the way we played. I've said it all along, I'm not going to judge our team on results only. That's a losing battle. I think if you play like that, good things will happen. From the goaltender out, everyone was good.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

“We gotta get to Oettinger more, I feel like all three games we've outshot them heavily, outplayed them. We gotta find a way to beat that guy.”

— Nathan MacKinnon

What’s next

The Avalanche and Stars will meet again on March 25, 2026 in another crucial divisional matchup.

The takeaway

Despite the tough loss, the Avalanche's strong all-around performance against a top rival shows they have the talent and effort to compete with the best teams in the league. However, they must find a way to solve Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger if they want to come out on top in these tight divisional battles.