Avalanche Defeat Stars, Extend Central Division Lead

Colorado takes control of top spot in the division with late-game heroics.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars 2-0 in a crucial Central Division matchup. Martin Necas broke the scoreless tie midway through the third period, and Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-net goal to seal the victory for the NHL-leading Avalanche.

Why it matters

This win gives the Avalanche a significant advantage in the race for the Central Division title and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Stars were hoping to close the gap, but Colorado's victory extends their lead atop the division.

The details

In a tightly contested game, the Avalanche and Stars were scoreless through the first two periods. But Colorado broke through in the third when Martin Necas found the back of the net to put the Avalanche ahead. Nathan MacKinnon then added an empty-net goal in the final minute to secure the 2-0 victory for the league-leading Avalanche.

  • The game was played on April 6, 2026.
  • Necas scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period.

The players

Martin Necas

A forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored the game-winning goal.

Nathan MacKinnon

A star forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL-leading team that extended their division lead with this win.

Dallas Stars

The Central Division rival that was hoping to close the gap on the Avalanche in the standings.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us against a tough divisional opponent. We're playing our best hockey at the right time of the year.”

— Nathan MacKinnon

What’s next

The Avalanche will look to continue their strong play and secure the Central Division title, while the Stars will try to rebound and keep pace in the standings.

The takeaway

Colorado's victory extends their lead atop the Central Division, putting them in prime position to clinch home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. This was a crucial win in the division race between two of the Western Conference's top teams.