The Dallas Stars were all set to secure their series win against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 5 on Thursday night. However, the Jets had other plans and shut them out with a convincing 4-0 victory. This unexpected turn of events extended the postseason for at least one more game, with Game 6 scheduled for Saturday in Dallas (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+). The burning question now is whether the Stars will seal the deal and advance to the Western Conference finals for a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers, or if the Jets will push for a Game 7 on home ice come Monday.
Game Preview: Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
The Stars currently hold a 3-2 series lead and are heavily favored at -380 to clinch the win, according to ESPN BET. On the other hand, the Jets are the underdogs at +290 to turn the tables. Looking at the bigger picture, Dallas stands at +325 to lift the Stanley Cup, while Winnipeg trails behind at +2200. Interestingly, teams that have led 3-1 in playoff series have a stellar record of 23-1 since 2023, with the Bruins against the Panthers in the 2023 first round being the sole exception.
Statistical Insights: Can Connor Hellebuyck Turn the Tide?
One of the key players to watch is Connor Hellebuyck, who has had a stark contrast in performance between home and away games this postseason. Hellebuyck boasts an impressive 6-1 record at home with a 1.73 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. However, his road record tells a different story, with an unfortunate 0-5 record, a dismal 5.84 GAA, and a .793 SV%. Another standout performer is Kyle Connor from the Jets, who has been a consistent scorer with 16 points in 12 games. His 1.33 points-per-game rate ranks as the third highest by an American-born player in a single postseason, behind Jake Guentzel in 2018 and Brian Leetch in 1995.
Player Spotlight: Mikko Rantanen Leads the Charge
Mikko Rantanen has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the goal and point-scoring charts this postseason with nine goals and 19 points. His line with Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz has been a potent combination, outscoring opponents 7-2 in over 100 minutes of ice time together. On the other end, Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has shown resilience following a loss, boasting a 17-6 record with a 2.03 GAA and .924 SV% in 23 career postseason games. The stage is set for an intense showdown as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
Auston Matthews Shines in Crucial Moment
In a pivotal Game 6 matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, Auston Matthews rose to the occasion, breaking the deadlock with the first goal of the game in the third period. This clutch goal not only gave the Leafs the lead but also marked Matthews’ first goal of the series against the Panthers and his first beyond the first round in his postseason career. The Maple Leafs’ shot blockers were also instrumental in the victory, as they blocked a total of 31 shots, including crucial moments late in the game to secure a shutout for Joseph Woll and force a Game 7. Max Pacioretty added insurance with his third postseason goal, further solidifying the Leafs’ position in the series.
In a nail-biting Game 6 showdown, the Toronto Maple Leafs emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over the Florida Panthers, tying the series at 3-3 and setting the stage for a thrilling Game 7 on Sunday. With a trip to the Eastern Conference finals on the line for the Panthers and the Leafs’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, both teams delivered a tight defensive battle through two scoreless periods. However, it was Matthews’ timely goal in the third period and Pacioretty’s insurance marker that sealed the win for Toronto. Goalie Joseph Woll redeemed himself with a flawless performance, stopping all 22 shots he faced. The series now heads back to Toronto for a winner-takes-all Game 7.
