Watch: Avalanche's Makar scores winning goal in thriller vs. Stars

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrates his game winning goal with center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in overtime against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Watch: Avalanche's Cale Makar scores winning goal in thriller vs. Stars

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 7:42 PM ET

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar spoiled Mikko Rantanen's homecoming to Denver.

In Sunday's home game against the Dallas Stars, Rantanen — who won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche during the 2021-22 season — returned to Denver after being traded twice this season. The Avalanche first traded the right winger to the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, who then dealt him to the Stars on March 7.

It's safe to say the one-time All-Star was probably hoping for a different result.

Late into overtime, with the game tied 3-3, Makar slipped past the Stars defense and scored the winning goal.

CALE MAKAR! OVERTIME WINNER!

His 25th goal of the season wins it in @Energizer overtime! pic.twitter.com/NSefqUVFPY
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2025

Makar's score thwarted an impressive comeback attempt for Dallas, which scored two goals in a 20-second span midway through the period to tie the game 3-3.

THE STARS SCORE TWO IN 20 SECONDS TO TIE THE GAME! ⭐️

: @NHL_on_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/bgHF3eucsL
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2025

With the victory, the Avalanche are now catching up to the Stars in the Central Division standings. Colorado (41-24-3, 85 points) is still third in the division but trails Dallas (42-21-3) by just two points.

The clutch play should bolster Makar's Norris Trophy case, awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL. Entering Colorado's matchup against Dallas, Makar was tied for 10th in the league in points, with 75 (24 goals and 51 assists) in 67 games.

As of Sunday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the best odds (-320) to win the award.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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