The Avalanche-Stars series has been the wildest thrill ride in the 2020 NHL Playoffs, and Friday’s Game 7 did not disappoint.
Colorado, down 3-1 earlier in the series, won two games to stave off elimination – and was just a few minutes away from completing the 3-1 series comeback after taking a lead late in the third period.
With 3:40 remaining in Game 7, Avs center Vladislav Namestnikov scored his second goal of the game, shooting a deflected puck off Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin and into the roof of the net.
2nd of the game for Namestnikov! #Avs back in front 4-3 pic.twitter.com/JCMAIvFrqq
— That's Hockey Talk (@ThatsHockeyTalk) September 4, 2020
Just 10 seconds later, the Stars tied the game. The Stars capitalized on a turnover on the Avs blue line, and Joel Kiviranta finished from an extremely tight angle to equalize.
INSANITY!!!!#GoStars answer within 10 seconds of the Avalanche taking the lead. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/bCl4puQp4H
— #StanleyCup Playoffs on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) September 4, 2020
The game went to overtime, where Kiviranta completed his hat trick and sent the Stars to the Western Conference Finals.
HAT TRICK.
GAME WINNER.
GAME 7.NHL Hat Trick Challenge presented by @Enterprise pic.twitter.com/Y5swo3SGED
— #StanleyCup Playoffs on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) September 4, 2020
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