Stars Lead Series 1 3-2 Win vs. Golden Knights – Hockey Writers – NHL News
The Dallas Stars were in dire straits to start the playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights. The top seed in the Western Conference, dropped back-to-back games at home 2-0. They were in the sweep against the Golden Knights on the road, but suffered two victories of their own to tie the series, setting up a huge Game 5 for both sides.
On home ice, the Stars took care of business and beat Vegas 3-2 to take their first lead in the series. The Golden Knights now find themselves in a tough spot as they await Game 6.
After starting the first four contests of the series, Vegas goaltender Logan Thompson got a rest as Adin Hill took his place. He stopped 22 of 25 Stars shots, serving as the worst single-game save percentage for the Golden Knights thus far. How did Dallas get to him so well?
Small Guns of the Stars Take the Day
In the beginning, the little guys in the Stars came up big. 21-year-old Logan Stankoven had the main assist on Dallas' first goal, and 20-year-old Wyatt Johnston had two assists, moving up to a team-high six points in the series. The two have been valuable assets to the Stars, they have been seen beyond the numbers. They put on great performances all night long.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger is just 25 years old, and had one of his best outings in the series. He stopped 25 of Vegas' 27 shots, many of them having a high appearance. He allowed two goals in the first half, but after that, he was a brick wall.
In a perfect turn of events, the series could be decided on Friday, May 3, but not in the way the Golden Knights would have hoped. At home at T-Mobile Arena, they'll need a win to keep their season–and claim the next Stanley Cups–alive. They have won 27 of 43 games at home in 2023-24, while the Stars have won 28 of 43 on the road.
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