Dallas Stars’ Wyatt Johnston Sets Playoff Record in Victory Against Avalanche
DALLAS, TEXAS – April 28: Wyatt Johnston celebrated alongside teammates Jamie Benn and others during a crucial match against the Colorado Avalanche.
Record-Setting Start for the Stars
In an impressive display of skill and timing, Wyatt Johnston scored just nine seconds into Game 5 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This quick goal not only set a record for the Dallas Stars but also bolstered the team’s momentum in their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, leading to a 6-2 victory.
Game Highlights
Johnston’s outstanding performance featured two goals and an assist, helping the Stars take a 3-2 lead in the series. “We did probably our best job generating chances tonight and it showed. … Just a huge win,” he remarked after the game.
Coach Pete DeBoer praised the team’s response after suffering a 4-0 defeat in Game 4, highlighting their return to form: “The last game, we played a poor game. … We owned it and we fixed it.”
Key Contributions and Strategy
Mikko Rantanen, playing for the Stars after a mid-season trade, scored his first playoff goal and contributed two assists. He noted the need for the team’s top players to elevate their game: “We knew as the top guys we needed to step up a little bit and play a little bit better defensively.”
After Johnston’s opening goal, the Avalanche managed to reduce the deficit to 3-2 with goals from Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon. However, Johnston quickly responded on a power play, with Rantanen assisting on the play.
Momentum and Future Matches
The Stars extended their lead further with goals from Mason Marchment and Roope Hintz, who scored an empty-net goal late in the game. Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger made 27 saves to ensure the team maintained control.
With Game 6 set for Thursday night in Colorado, Johnston’s record-setting goal added to the excitement of the matchup. It marked the fastest goal to start a playoff game in the franchise’s history, surpassing the previous record of 24 seconds set by Jeff Halpern in 2007.
Historic Achievements
Johnston’s goal not only solidified his place in Stars history but also positioned him among eight players in NHL history to score within the first nine seconds of a playoff game. The overall record of six seconds is held by Don Kozak of the Los Angeles Kings.