The Dallas Stars secured a spot in the Western Conference final after defeating the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in Game 6 on Saturday night, avoiding a potential Game 7. Thomas Harley scored the game-winning goal 1:33 into overtime, netting a power-play goal from the top of the slot after a pass from Tyler Seguin.
“Obviously, it’s a huge advantage. Clean sheet of ice and a chance to win a series. The guys did just that,” said Sam Steel, who also scored for Dallas and drew the penalty that shifted the game in their favor. “Tom does what he does all year long, put it in the back of the net. It’s a big one.”
Mark Scheifele scored for Winnipeg despite the tragic loss of his father earlier in the day. However, Scheifele also committed a tripping penalty with 14.8 seconds remaining in regulation, which allowed Dallas to start overtime with a man advantage. Steel had been on a break when Scheifele, in a desperate attempt to stop him, tripped him at the blue line. This penalty could have led to a penalty shot, but instead, Dallas used their timeout and created more scoring chances before the end of regulation.
Jets captain Adam Lowry reflected on the emotional toll of the game. “It’s tough to put into words what Mark went through today. Gets a huge goal for us, plays a heck of a game, and it ends the way it does. Just emotional, heavy,” he said.
With the win, Dallas advances to face Edmonton in the Western Conference final for the second consecutive year. The Stars will host Game 1 on Wednesday night. Edmonton reached the final after securing a 1-0 overtime victory over Vegas in their Game 5 of the second round.
Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger was instrumental in the win, making 22 saves, including an incredible diving stop with 8.5 minutes left in regulation to deny Mason Appleton. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, stopped 18 shots in the loss.
Steel opened the scoring for Dallas midway through the second period with a goal off a long rebound, sending the puck past Hellebuyck. Scheifele responded for the Jets by scoring off a rebound from Kyle Connor’s shot, giving Winnipeg their only goal of the game. The Stars managed to withstand a late flurry of shots from Winnipeg, including several near-misses and blocked attempts.
The Stars have now won all three of their overtime games in this postseason and are moving on to face the Oilers, who won the Western Conference last year in six games.
