The Dallas Stars continued their impressive run with a dramatic 2-1 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens, extending their winning streak to seven games. In a game that showcased resilience, skill, and depth, the Stars emerged victorious despite facing a formidable opponent in the Canadiens who were winners in nine out of their last eleven. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the game:
1. Jake Oettinger: The Ultimate Difference-Maker
Jake Oettinger delivered a stellar performance in net, strengthening his reputation as one of the league’s top goaltenders. Despite facing an aggressive Montreal offense that created numerous scoring chances (especially in the second period), Oettinger stood tall, making critical saves throughout the game. His ability to stay composed under pressure was on full display in the shootout, where he stopped all three Canadiens attempts to secure the victory for Dallas.
The win was a perfect response to his previous outing against the New York Rangers, where he struggled early. This bounce-back performance highlighted Oettinger’s mental toughness and ability to learn from adversity. His contributions are pivotal in maintaining the Stars’ momentum during this impressive streak.
2. Jamie Benn: Captain Leading the Way
Jamie Benn continues to defy expectations, proving he’s not only a seasoned veteran but also a key offensive force for the Stars. Benn scored the game’s only goal for Dallas during regulation with a perfectly placed wrist shot, demonstrating his versatility as a scorer. This marked his sixth goal in the past nine games, further underlining his vital role in the team’s success.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Benn brought a much-needed physical edge to counter the Canadiens’ aggressive play. With injuries to Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin, Benn has stepped up in every way imaginable, being one of the Stars most consistent point producers this season despite most of his teammates struggling at times this season. His play has been a crucial factor in the Stars’ ability to navigate through adversity and maintain their winning form.
3. Young Stars Shine Bright
The Dallas Stars’ young players continue to make their presence felt, showcasing the depth of the team’s talent. Logan Stankoven was electric, creating multiple high-quality scoring chances and keeping the Canadiens on their heels. While he’s still searching for his first goal in 24 games, his performance was a testament to his potential and determination.
Mavrik Bourque also stood out, extending his point streak to three games with an assist. His playmaking ability and poise have become increasingly evident, and he’s slowly growing into a reliable contributor for the Stars after starting very slow. The third line, featuring Bourque, Stankoven, and Steel, looked dynamic and promising despite not converting all their chances.
The contributions of the rookies have been vital for a team dealing with injuries, and their continued development bodes well for the Stars’ future. The Dallas Stars rank third in the NHL for total points contributed by rookies. Among the top five teams in this category, the Stars are the only team currently positioned to qualify for the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
This game was a prime example of the Dallas Stars’ resilience and ability to adapt to challenges. From Ottinger’s brilliance in net to Benn’s leadership and the young players’ spark, the team’s depth and character were on full display. With their current seven-game winning streak and a 9-0-1 record in their last ten games, the Stars are showing they’re a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
I acknowledge that my pessimistic outlook during the Minnesota Wild after game review episode was misplaced. As the season progresses, Dallas fans have every reason to be optimistic. The combination of veteran leadership, goaltending excellence, and emerging talent gives the Stars a solid foundation to chase their ultimate goal—a Stanley Cup championship.
What were your biggest takeaways from the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
GO STARS!
