The Dallas Stars wrapped up the 2023-24 NHL regular season against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night. The Stars beat the Blues 2-1 in a shootout at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 52-21-9, while St. Louis fell to 43-33-6.
With the win, Dallas not only sent St. Louis home with extra blues, but also became the best in the Western Conference for home ice advantage all the way through the Western Conference Finals. Stars goalie Jake Oettinger made 26 saves for a win, while Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made a whopping 36 saves in a losing effort.
The Stars’ starting lineup featured Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, Thomas Harley, Jason Robertson, and Jake Oettinger. In addition, Evgenii Dadonov was in the Stars’ lineup for Tyler Seguin. Dadonov was healthy and returned to action after suffering a lower-body fracture on February 10th against the Montreal Canadiens.
No goals were scored in the first period, but things got chippy between the two teams. Tyler Tucker was called for cross-checking against Sam Steel at 2:53, but the Stars couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Evgenii Dadonov was called for tripping against Nathan Walker at 13:25, but the Blues couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play.
The Stars and Blues were in a scoreless tie at the end of the first period. Dallas outshot St. Louis 10-6 after 20 minutes.
The Stars had to get their offense going if they truly wanted to pick it back up in the second period, and they sort of did, but they couldn’t score. Stars captain Jamie Benn hit the red pipe on a wide-open shot attempt, but his wrist shot was saved by Blues goalie Jordan Binnington at 8:44.
The Blues snapped the scoreless tie late in the second period. Robert Thomas fired a wrist shot into the Stars’ net for a 1-0 lead at 17:19. Zack Bolduc and Brayden Schenn collected the assists on Thomas’ 26th of the season.
The Stars trailed the Blues 1-0 at the end of two periods. Dallas outshot St. Louis 25-18 through 40 minutes.
The third period began on a feisty note. Scott Perunovich was called for slashing against Radek Faksa at 2:37, but the Stars couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Dallas was 0-for-2 on the power play.
The Stars tied the game early in the third period. Mason Marchment fired a wrist shot into the Blues’ net to tie the game 1-1 at 5:11. Matt Duchene and Esa Lindell collected the assists on Marchment’s 22nd of the season.
The Stars and Blues were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. Dallas outshot St. Louis 33-25 after 60 minutes.
The overtime was rather physical, but neither team scored a game-winning goal. Scott Perunovich was called for holding against Logan Stankoven at 3:30. Although the game temporarily turned into a 3-on-4 one, Dallas couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. The Stars were 0-for-3 on the power play.
The Stars and Blues were tied 1-1 at the end of overtime. Dallas outshot St. Louis 37-27 after 65 minutes.
The Stars vs. Blues game was decided by a shootout. Jason Robertson scored the lone shootout goal in the first round.
The Stars beat the Blues 2-1 in a shootout.
Notes
Three Stars of the Game
1. Jake Oettinger (0.92 GAA and .962 SV%)
2. Jordan Binnington (0.92 GAA and .973 SV%)
3. Mason Marchment (1 point: 1 goal)
Leadership Potential
The Stars nominated Jake Oettinger as their King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee for his leadership and contributions to the local community.
Northlake, Texas
The Stars and the Town of Northlake partnered to build a 225,000-square-foot multi-purpose athletic facility featuring two sheets of ice and multiple basketball and volleyball courts.
Monday Motivation
The Stars signed Arttu Hyry to a two-year, entry-level contract starting in the 2024-25 NHL season. The 23-year-old recorded 31 points and had a +19 rating in 55 regular-season games for Kärpät in Liiga during the 2023-24 regular season. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward was undrafted before signing with the Stars.
Friday Funday
The Stars will help the City of Dallas get ready with a Drive Thru Rally and Block Party on Friday from 4-7 p.m. Central at 1135 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215. If you’re interested, please register here.
Up Next
The Stars will wait for their potential playoff opponent, which will be either the Los Angeles Kings or the Vegas Golden Knight, for the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink
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