The Dallas Stars are headed to the Western Conference Final for the third straight year after a dramatic 2–1 overtime victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6. Here’s what stood out from a tightly contested game that showcased grit, goaltending, and a clutch power-play finish.

Takeaway 1. Harley’s Heroics on the OT Power Play

Thomas Harley stepped up to bury the overtime winner just 1:33 into the extra frame. The Stars began OT with a man advantage thanks to a late penalty on Mark Scheifele, and Harley made it count. It wasn’t just the goal — it was the moment: calm execution under pressure after the Stars used a timeout and regrouped for one clean look.

Harley’s shot sent the Stars to their third straight West Final and showed how dangerous Dallas can be with open ice.

Takeaway 2. Scheifele’s Night of Triumph and Tragedy

Mark Scheifele showed incredible resilience by even taking the ice — his father tragically passed away earlier in the day. He went on to score Winnipeg’s lone goal and was emotionally present throughout the game.

But in a heartbreaking twist, Scheifele took the tripping penalty with just 14.8 seconds left in regulation, setting up the overtime power play that sealed Winnipeg’s fate. Hockey is full of moments where pain and pride collide — this was one of them.

Takeaway 3. Oettinger Steals Another Game in Net

Jake Oettinger continues to be a playoff backbone for Dallas. With 22 saves, he wasn’t as busy as his counterpart, Connor Hellebuyck. However, his late-game heroics made all the difference. The highlight was a stunning diving stop on Mason Appleton in the third — a split-second reaction that preserved the tie and gave Dallas a chance to win it.

That’s six playoff series wins for Oettinger in three seasons, and he’s starting to build a reputation as one of the NHL’s best clutch goaltenders. Can the Oilers solve his last line of defense?

What’s Next for Dallas?

The Stars will now face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final. Edmonton knocked them out in six games in 2024—this time, Dallas holds home-ice advantage. With Oettinger dialed in, Harley emerging, and special teams delivering under pressure, Dallas looks like a team that’s learned from the past and is ready to rewrite its playoff script.

However, Edmonton has been playing lights-out hockey. Which team will prevail?

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