In a thrilling Game 3, the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Minnesota Wild, securing a 4-3 victory in double overtime. This match marked a crucial moment in the NHL playoff series, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead.
Johnston’s Power-Play Goal Shines
Wyatt Johnston was the hero of the night, scoring the winning goal during the second overtime period. He deflected a shot by Miro Heiskanen, showcasing his exceptional skill and positioning in the slot. Johnston, who led the NHL with 27 power-play goals during the regular season, embraced the spotlight.
Star Performers
- Matt Duchene: Contributed significantly with one goal and three assists.
- Jason Robertson: Scored a goal and assisted on another.
- Mikko Rantanen: Also had a goal along with an assist.
In goal, Jake Oettinger delivered an impressive performance with 28 saves, helping maintain the Stars’ advantage in the series.
Game Highlights
The Stars opened the scoring early in the first period with a power-play goal at 1:25. Robertson led Rantanen down the slot, resulting in a deft redirection just inside the right post.
Robertson extended the lead to 2-0 at 13:48 with a sharp shot from the right face-off circle, finding the back of the net beneath the glove of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.
However, Minnesota responded. Marcus Johansson cut the lead to 2-1 with a power-play goal at 18:20, shooting through traffic to beat Oettinger. Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game at 2-2 early in the second period, capitalizing on a clever setup by Matt Boldy.
The Wild then took a 3-2 lead at 17:25 after Michael McCarron scored his first playoff goal in nine NHL seasons. Despite Dallas’s failed power plays, McCarron found the net with a precise wrist shot.
Power Play Performance
The Stars showcased strong special teams, going 3-for-8 on power plays, while the Wild managed 1-for-7. This difference in performance from the special teams played a pivotal role in the game.
Next Steps
The series now shifts back to Dallas for Game 4, scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on multiple channels including HBO MAX and TBS.
As the playoffs continue, the Stars aim to build on this momentum while the Wild strive to even the series.
