Dallas Stars Secure Victory Over New Jersey Devils
In a convincing performance on Wednesday night, the Dallas Stars secured a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils in Newark. This win was highlighted by Jason Robertson, who netted his 17th goal of the season, showcasing his potential for inclusion in the U.S. Olympic team. Texas forward Esa Lindell assisted on Robertson’s goal in a well-executed give-and-go play.
Offensive Contributions
The Stars’ offensive efforts were bolstered by other Finnish players; Roope Hintz passed the puck to Miro Heiskanen for the opening goal, and Mikko Rantanen added the third goal after capitalizing on a rebound.
Defensive Performance
On the defensive front, goalie Jake Oettinger made 31 saves to earn his first win against the Devils, marking the last team on his list he had yet to conquer. His performance included critical stops against high-caliber shots from players such as Dawson Mercer and Luke Glendening, showcasing Oettinger’s readiness for potential Olympic selection.
Dallas captain Jamie Benn and Lindell each contributed with two assists, underlining the team’s strong collaborative effort. Moreover, the Stars have showcased impressive defensive skills by successfully killing off 19 straight penalties in their last six outings and maintaining an undefeated record (12-0-0) when leading after two periods.
Injury Concerns
However, the Stars had to play without longstanding player Tyler Seguin, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a previous matchup against the New York Rangers. Coach Glen Gulutzan suggested that Seguin is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to this injury.
Devils’ Struggles
On the other side, Jacob Markstrom, the goalie for New Jersey, faced 27 shots, allowing three goals. The Devils have now fallen to three consecutive defeats and six losses in their last nine games. They have struggled particularly with the absence of their top player Jack Hughes, who is sidelined for at least another month following surgery on a finger injury unrelated to hockey.
Upcoming Matches
As the Stars prepare to return to their home ice against the San Jose Sharks on Friday, the Devils are set to host the Vegas Golden Knights the same night, both teams looking to shift momentum in their respective seasons.
