Nieuwendyk's goal in OT lifts Stars.(The Dallas Morning News)

DALLAS _ Joe Nieuwendyk said he understands that his play is often judged on scoring goals. Even he began to put pressure on himself as he struggled to score in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

If Nieuwendyk is judged by the goals he scores, then he is back in top form. His deflection past Patrick Roy 12 minutes, 10 seconds into overtime gave the Stars a 3-2 victory over Colorado on Tuesday before 17,001 at Reunion Arena.

By winning their first overtime contest in 15 playoff games, the Stars took a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals. They can clinch a spot in their second straight Stanley Cup Finals with a victory in Game 6 on Thursday in Denver.

The Stars at least have history on their side. They have won six of seven playoff series when winning Game 5.

Nieuwendyk is no stranger to making big impacts in the post-season. He was the most valuable player in last season's playoffs after scoring 11 goals, including six game-winners. Two of his six goals in these playoffs have come in the past two games.

"I'm no different than anybody else," Nieuwendyk said. "I'm battling for everything I get out there."

With the Avalanche outshooting Dallas, 31-20, the Stars again relied on goalie Ed Belfour to make big saves. And again, Belfour outplayed Patrick Roy, frustrating the Avalanche by stopping Stephane Yelle, Joe Sakic twice and Dave Andreychuk in overtime.