The Dallas Stars can finally catch their breath after avoiding another Game 7 and securing their second consecutive Western Conference final berth. They achieved this by defeating the last two Stanley Cup champions, playing 13 games in 26 nights.
The latest victory came in Game 6 against Colorado, with Matt Duchene scoring the winning goal in double overtime. This victory followed a tense first extra period, where Dallas thought they had won.
Their journey began with a challenging seven-game series against the Vegas Golden Knights, who had defeated them in last year’s West final before clinching the Stanley Cup.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rewrite history and change the outcome this time.
The top-seeded Stars will now prepare to host Game 1 of the West final against either Edmonton or Vancouver. Edmonton’s 5-1 win on Saturday night forces a decisive Game 7 on Monday night in Vancouver.
Despite coach Pete DeBoer’s success in Game 7s, the team wasn’t eager for another one, given the grueling playoff schedule. Forward Mason Marchment emphasized the playoff grind and the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
