In their regular-season finale, the Dallas Stars secured a 2-1 shootout victory against the St. Louis Blues, with goaltender Jake Oettinger delivering a stellar performance, making 26 saves in regulation and overtime before stopping all three shootout attempts. With the win, the Stars clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, ensuring home-ice advantage throughout the postseason.
Jason Robertson scored the decisive goal in the shootout for the Stars, while Mason Marchment tallied the lone goal in regulation, knotting the score at 1-1 in the third period with a sweeping turnaround shot. Oettinger’s remarkable diving save in the first period, denying the Blues’ power-play opportunity, showcased his exceptional skills and determination.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the Stars, who haven’t held the top seed in the West since 2016, coincidentally the year of their previous Central Division title. With a franchise-record 113 points this season, the Stars are primed for playoff success as they aim to capture their second Stanley Cup title.
As for the Blues, their season comes to an end after finishing ninth in the Western Conference with 92 points, falling short of a playoff berth. Despite the disappointment, goaltender Jordan Binnington’s solid performance in net, making 36 saves, highlighted the team’s competitive spirit.
Looking ahead, the Stars await their first-round playoff opponent, which will be either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Los Angeles Kings, depending on the outcome of their final regular-season games. As they prepare for the postseason, the Stars are eager to make a deep playoff run and build on their success in securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
