The Stars came through with an epic bounce-back game last night against the Avalanche, and Pete DeBoer thanked all the doubters out there for fueling them.
Johnston, playing in his 43rd career playoff game at just 21 years of age, launched the first shot from the side of the net, which caught Colorado goalie MacKenzie Blackwood off guard.
Johnston had an assist in the second period on Thomas Harley's goal, which deflected off the back of Blackwood and into the goal. Johnston finished off the night with his second goal, which capped off a performance that was clearly dominating.
Mikko Rantanen scored his first playoff goal with the Stars against his former team
Mikko Rantanen, a playoff veteran with Colorado who now suits up for Dallas, scored his first playoff goal with the Stars and had two assists. Roope Hintz set up Rantanen's goal and added an empty-netter later to close out the victory.
The Stars will try to close out the series in Game 6 on Thursday in Colorado, where they defeated the Avalanche in the second round last season. Head coach Pete DeBoer credited the team's resilience to outside skepticism.
Johnston's lightning-quick goal made him only the eighth player in NHL history to score within nine seconds of a playoff game.
Though Don Kozak still holds the all-time record at six seconds, Johnston's effort sparked a commanding night that pushed Dallas one step closer to the second round. Will they finish the job in Denver? We'll find out in Game 6.