Stars edge Avalanche in shootout, trim Central lead

Dallas moves within 2 points of Colorado in division standings with victory

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:56am

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Wyatt Johnston scored the only goal in the shootout, Jake Oettinger made 33 saves through overtime, and the Dallas Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in Denver on Wednesday night. The win moves the Stars within 2 points of the Avalanche in the Central Division standings.

Why it matters

The matchup between the NHL's top two teams in the Central Division and Western Conference standings was a crucial one, with the Stars closing the gap on the division-leading Avalanche. The tight race for the top seed in the West and overall league standings could come down to the final meeting between the teams on April 4 in Dallas.

The details

Jason Robertson scored in regulation for the Stars, while Cale Makar netted a power-play goal for the Avalanche. The game went to a shootout after finishing regulation and overtime tied 1-1. Oettinger made a save on Valeri Nichushkin's shootout attempt, and Martin Necas missed the net before Johnston beat Scott Wedgewood on Dallas' third try. Nathan MacKinnon was unable to extend the shootout for Colorado.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.
  • The Avalanche and Stars have one more regular-season matchup scheduled for April 4, 2026 in Dallas.

The players

Wyatt Johnston

The Dallas Stars forward scored the only goal in the shootout to give his team the victory.

Jake Oettinger

The Dallas Stars goaltender made 33 saves through overtime and stopped 2 of 3 shootout attempts to earn the win.

Cale Makar

The Colorado Avalanche defenseman scored a power-play goal in the first period, his 20th of the season, making him the first defenseman to record 20 or more goals for three straight seasons since 1991-92.

Scott Wedgewood

The Colorado Avalanche goaltender made 17 saves through overtime and stopped 2 of 3 shootout attempts in the loss.

Jason Robertson

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

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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

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.