2001 Western Conference Finals Game 4 vs Dallas Stars
The only active NHL team undefeated in Stanley Cup Final appearances.
The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Ball Arena, which it shares with the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets and Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
- Series
- 2001 Western Conference Finals
- Opponent
- Dallas Stars
- Venue
- Pepsi Center (Denver)
- Result
- Stars win, tying series 2-2
- Key Player
- Patrick Roy (Goaltender)
- Outcome Context
- Series tied heading to Game 5
Lore & Background
Founded in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques, the team was one of the charter franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA). The franchise joined the NHL in 1979 as a result of the NHL–WHA merger. Following the 1994–95 season, they were sold to the COMSAT Entertainment Group and moved to Denver. During their first season in Denver, the Avalanche won the Pacific Division and went on to sweep the Florida Panthers in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final. In the 2001 Stanley Cup Final, the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games to win their second championship. In the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their third championship. As a result, they remain the only active NHL team that has won all of its appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.
In Their Own Story
The Pepsi Center hummed with a nervous energy, the air thick with anticipation as the clock ticked down on the second period. Down two goals, the roar of the crowd had dimmed to a murmur of disbelief. Then, Sakic skated into the zone, his eyes locked ahead. A quick pass, a deflection, and suddenly the net bulged. The silence shattered instantly. It wasn't just a goal; it was a spark. As Roy stood firm against the next wave of Dallas attacks, the realization settled over the arena: this team didn't know how to lose.
Reader's Guide
The Avalanche have won thirteen division titles since moving to Denver (and set the league record for most consecutive division titles at nine in a row from 1995 to 2003; one in Quebec, the rest in Colorado), and qualified for the playoffs in each of their first ten seasons after the move; this streak ended in 2007.
Did You Know?
- The 1996 Avalanche became the first Denver-based team in the four major North American professional sports leagues to win a league championship.
- They were the second major North American sports team to win a championship a year after moving, joining the National Football League (NFL)'s 1937 Washington Redskins.
- Joe Sakic won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff scoring leader in 1996, with 34 points (18 goals and 16 assists).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of Game 4 in the 2001 Western Conference Finals?
The Dallas Stars defeated Colorado to tie the series at two games apiece after overcoming a two-goal deficit late in the match. This victory forced the teams into a decisive Game 5 instead of allowing the Avalanche to close out the round early.
Where did this pivotal matchup between the Avalanche and Stars take place?
The game was played at the Pepsi Center in Denver on May 23, 2001, in front of the home crowd. It stands as a defining moment in franchise history due to the dramatic comeback by Dallas on their ice.
Which players were central to Colorado's effort during this contest?
Captain Joe Sakic and goaltender Patrick Roy led the team while highlighting the championship DNA that defined the roster. Their resilience was evident even as they faced a tough loss in front of their own fans.
Why is this specific game remembered by Avalanche fans today?
It is recalled not just for the dramatic comeback, but for setting the stage for the eventual Stanley Cup victory later that year. The heartbreak of tying the series tested the team's resolve before they secured the pennant.
How did the Dallas Stars manage to win this game in Denver?
They overcame a two-goal deficit late in the contest to secure a crucial road victory against the Avalanche. This performance kept their playoff hopes alive and ensured the series remained competitive heading into Game 5.
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