Stars' Glen Gulutzan calls out specific error ahead of NHL playoffs

Dallas coach says team 'passed up' chances in 2-0 loss to Colorado Avalanche

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:18am

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Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan criticized his team's performance in a 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, saying the Stars 'passed up' several scoring opportunities. Gulutzan acknowledged that generating offense at 5-on-5 will become increasingly difficult as the playoffs approach, and emphasized the need for the Stars to 'manufacture' offense to win tight-checking games.

Why it matters

As the NHL playoffs loom, the Stars' ability to capitalize on scoring chances and generate offense will be crucial. Gulutzan's comments highlight the team's need to improve their 5-on-5 play and find ways to 'manufacture' goals against stingy playoff opponents.

The details

During his post-game news conference, Gulutzan said both teams were 'running down a little bit' due to the heavy checking, and that the key was 'holding on to pucks, winning a battle, and getting something to the net.' He noted that the Avalanche were able to do this first, while the Stars 'passed up' some opportunities. Gulutzan acknowledged that 5-on-5 offense will become more difficult as the playoffs approach, and said the Stars will need to 'manufacture' offense to win tight-checking games, similar to the 1-0 victory the Avalanche earned on Saturday.

  • The Stars lost 2-0 to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Stars had just returned to the win column with a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers before the loss to Colorado.
  • The Stars will host the Calgary Flames at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team that defeated the Dallas Stars 2-0 on April 6, 2026.

Dallas Stars

The NHL team that lost 2-0 to the Colorado Avalanche on April 6, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Both teams were running down a little bit just because it was heavy checking. When that's the case, when it's tight checking, you're waiting for somebody to win a battle and make a play.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“And as I said, they did it first. They did it first. And, you know, that's the key: holding on to pucks, winning a battle, and getting something to the net. I thought we had a few opportunities we passed up, too. So that's something you can learn from.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“I mean, 5-on-5 offense is going to dry up a lot here in the next... And so you've got to find a way to manufacture, you know, you win the 5-on-5 game 1-0, and they did it tonight, and in the future we've got to have to do it too.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

What’s next

The Stars will host the Calgary Flames at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. CT as they look to bounce back from the loss to the Avalanche and continue preparing for the upcoming NHL playoffs.

The takeaway

Gulutzan's comments highlight the Stars' need to improve their 5-on-5 play and find ways to generate offense against tight-checking opponents as the playoffs approach. The team will need to learn from missed opportunities and focus on 'manufacturing' goals to win close, low-scoring games if they hope to make a deep postseason run.