The Dallas Stars faced significant pressure in their playoff series, struggling offensively with only seven goals in five games. Coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the need for key players to step up as they entered a critical Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche. This time, the Stars broke through, led by Wyatt Johnston, Mikko Rantanen, and Roope Hintz, who combined for a dominant 6-2 victory. Johnston scored twice and assisted, while Rantanen and Hintz each contributed a goal and assist, lifting the Stars to a 3-2 series lead.

Johnston ended his scoring drought by netting his first playoff goal moments into Game 5, while Hintz stepped up with crucial plays, including a perfect set-up for Rantanen's first playoff goal as a Star. The win showcased the team's resilience and potential for a strong playoff run, reinforcing DeBoer's confidence in their character and experience.

Miro Heiskanen, the Dallas Stars' star defenseman, will miss Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in January. Despite returning to practice and participating in the morning skate, Coach Peter DeBoer confirmed Heiskanen remains "day to day," underlining the team's caution as they fight for a pivotal win to take the series lead, currently tied at 2-2.

Heiskanen, who recorded 25 points this season, has been a crucial part of the Stars' lineup. Without him, and after a 4-0 loss in Game 4, Dallas faces pressure to have their other key players, such as Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene, step up offensively. Coach DeBoer hinted at potential lineup changes, including the possibility of adjusting defenseman numbers to accommodate Heiskanen's return when ready. With the stakes high, the Stars must capitalize on their opportunities against a formidable Avalanche team.

In a commanding start to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Dallas Stars with a decisive 5-1 victory. Though Captain Gabriel Landeskog was sidelined, the Avalanche showcased an impressive performance. Mackenzie Blackwood made a stellar playoff debut, saving critical shots and allowing only one goal despite facing heavy pressure. Both Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen contributed key goals, capitalizing on fortuitous bounces that set the tone for the match. The team’s defense stifled the Stars’ power play, securing an early series lead.

Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning earned the title of NHL's First Star for the week ending March 30, leading the league with 11 points in three games. He propelled the Lightning to a strong standing in the Atlantic Division, showcasing his playmaking skills with multiple assists and a goal in key victories. Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars was named Second Star, contributing significantly with nine points over four games, helping his team secure a playoff berth. Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets' goaltender, claimed the Third Star, posting a perfect record and impressive save percentages, which solidified the Jets' position at the top of the standings.

Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been named one of the NHL's three stars of the week, leading the league with 11 points from three goals and eight assists. This performance helped the Lightning climb to second place in the Atlantic Division, where Kucherov is tied atop the scoring race with Nathan MacKinnon, each with 109 points.

Alongside him, Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars achieved nine points through two goals and seven assists, contributing to the Stars clinching a playoff berth and maintaining a five-game winning streak. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets also made headlines, going 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage, securing one shutout and assisting the Jets in clinching their third consecutive playoff appearance.