Dallas Stars Dominate Ottawa Senators
In a commanding display on Sunday night, the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Ottawa Senators with a score of 6-1 at the American Airlines Center, highlighting the emerging talent of Wyatt Johnston. The young forward notched his fourth NHL hat trick, which included two goals on the power play, solidifying his position as a top contender for the upcoming Olympic team. With this performance, Johnston has amassed an impressive 12 power-play goals this season, leading the league in that category.
Key Contributions from Stars Players
Dallas forward Jason Robertson joined forces with Johnston, providing the game-winning goal and contributing two assists in his 400th NHL game. Mavrik Bourque and team captain Jamie Benn added to the score as the Stars extended their remarkable run to 10 wins in their last 12 outings, boasting a record of 10-1-1.
Senators’ Struggles
For Ottawa, defenseman Jake Sanderson‘s lone goal served as the only glimmer of hope for the Senators, whose goalie, Linus Ullmark, was left with little support from his defense. While Ullmark had been showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, his statistics took a hit as he conceded six goals on just 26 shots. The Senators’ defensive lapses allowed the Stars to exploit high-risk opportunities, particularly evident after Ottawa trailed 3-1 at the end of the second period. This marks the second straight game where the Senators struggled in the final stretch, offering little offensive spark.
Standout Performances
Both Johnston and Robertson now share the Stars’ scoring lead with 16 goals each, ranking them fourth in the NHL. Robertson has been particularly hot, registering points in ten out of his last eleven games, including 13 goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, Johnston’s standout power-play efforts have him among the top six Canadian skaters in points this season, drawing consideration for the national team at the Olympics.
“It would be amazing to go,” Johnston stated in an interview following his impressive performance. He emphasized his priority on helping the Stars succeed, as he believes that will enhance his chances for Olympic selection.
Looking Ahead for the Senators
On the other end, Casey DeSmith of the Stars turned away all 15 shots sent his way, adding to Ottawa’s frustrations. The loss leaves the Senators with a record of 12-9-4 and standing outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. As they prepare for a crucial matchup in Montreal on Tuesday, Ottawa wraps up the month with a record of 6-4-3—marking their first above-.500 month since the 2016-17 season. However, recent outings have raised concerns about their momentum heading into December.
Nevertheless, the Senators are poised for one final road game before returning home, striving to regain their footing in the competitive Eastern Conference.
