The Stars managed to delay elimination for at least another day with a 4-2 win over the Avalanche in their last home game of the season. With wins by the Blackhawks and Ducks Wednesday, Dallas couldn’t afford to drop points. They did their part again.
Tom Wandell and Loui Eriksson scored first period goals to give Dallas an early cushion, but they took a slim 2-1 lead to the third period. Brenden Morrow’s 31st goal of the season reestablished the two-goal cushion, but Mark Olver narrowed it once more with nine minutes remaining before Brad Richards sealed the win a minute later.
The Stars now have to cross their fingers that Detroit and Los Angeles can provide hope by limiting either Anaheim or Chicago to one point across two games. Dallas will take on Colorado in Denver Friday before closing their season in Minnesota.