The No. 1 adage of any given hockey game, "Anything can happen," also applies to the NHL playoffs. On Thursday night, the Dallas Stars were unfortunately on the losing side of a freak play that could be considered the worst own goal of the NHL season so far.

A lucky goal by Nathan MacKinnon and a relentless offensive effort saved the Avalanche from elimination, setting up a dramatic Game 7 in Dallas.

Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) swings at Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) during the third period of Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in Dallas, Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) AP