It also felt like some sort of tribute to General Manager Jim Nill, by way of throwback to 2013. The only goals scored in the Stars’ 2-1 victory over the Avalanche in a game the Stars never led until it was over came from Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Val Nichushkin.

Their best chance to take a lead and hold it was in the early minutes of Wednesday’s contest. The Stars were dominant in the first period, outshooting Colorado 4-0 in the opening minutes and 14-5 in the frame. They had over a 67% expected goals percentage in the period.