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Watch: Avalanche's Cale Makar scores winning goal in thriller vs. Stars
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!
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2025
His 25th goal of the season wins it in @Energizer overtime! pic.twitter.com/NSefqUVFPY
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 (@NHL) March 16, 2025
: @NHL_on_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/bgHF3eucsL
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.
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