"The longer it goes, the more it benefits us": Matt Duchene opens up about what kept Stars going in 2nd OT win against the Avalanche

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified May 18, 2024 14:47 GMT

In Game 6 against the Colorado Avalanche, the Dallas Stars' Matt Duchene scored the game-winning goal in double overtime. Duchene appeared on the NHL on TNT and shared his views on the team's strategy that helped them reach victory.

Duchene emphasized the team's ability to maintain pace and intensity as the game progressed.

"Yeah, you know, I kind of, I think I said midway through the first over, tea, the longer this goes, the more it benefits us because they really ride their, their top, their top guys, and rightfully so," Duchene said.

"I mean, what a year those guys had and what players they are. I mean, they're a really tough group to contain and, but they're, they're still, as much as they're superhuman, they're still human to a, to a certain extent."

Duchene spoke about the importance of players accepting their roles, putting the team first, and supporting each other.

"And guys, you know, swallowing ego, swallowing pride and playing the role, and when guys are hot, you know, being a good supporting character and being a good teammate and, you know, doing the best you can, and then, you know, it's kind of gone ebbs and flows all season," he added.

One standout performer in the game was goaltender Jake Oettinger. Duchene praised him.

"And, I mean, Otter (Jake Oettinger) was awesome in Net. I mean, what a game he had. We're just such a true definition of a team, and that's our identity," Duchene added

Matt Duchene and Stars secure 2-1 victory over Avalanche

Matt Duchene's goal at 11:42 of the second overtime secured a 2-1 victory for the Dallas Stars over the Colorado Avalanche.

Matt Duchene capitalized on a loose puck to score, despite an earlier goal being disallowed for goaltender interference. The Stars celebrated their win with "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver in the locker room.

Dallas will face either Edmonton or Vancouver next, marking their second consecutive trip to the conference final. Jamie Benn tied the game early in the third period, while Mason Marchment's overtime goal was overturned for interference.

Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 29 crucial saves. One of his key stops was against Artturi Lehkonen.

Colorado's Mikko Rantanen scored the first goal, and Cale Makar reached a milestone with 80 career playoff points. The Avalanche faced several challenges, including Valeri Nichushkin's suspension.

Nathan MacKinnon recognized how hard the team played, even though they lost.

"We fought hard, The effort was there the whole season,” MacKinnon said

The game was also the end of Zach Parise's career.