Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz led the Dallas Stars to a thrilling victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night.
Both players scored in the shootout after a scoreless overtime to secure a 3-2 win for the Stars in what could be a preview of the Western Conference final.
Wyatt Johnston and Hintz scored in regulation for Dallas, while Jamie Benn provided two assists. Jake Oettinger made 41 saves for the Stars, who lead the Central Division with 74 points and ended a five-game skid (0-3-2).
“We’ve been grinding,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. “We needed a win. They played a great game, too. It was a real good game. Anybody that was at this game tonight got their money’s worth.”
Michael Amadio and Jack Eichel scored for Vegas, extending their point streak to 6-0-3 and keeping them atop the Pacific Division with 76 points. Laurent Brossoit also made 41 saves, including a remarkable one 1:02 into overtime that impressed even the Stars.
Vegas appeared poised for victory when Eichel scored on a breakaway with 4:37 left in regulation, giving the Knights a 2-1 lead. It was Eichel’s third consecutive game with a goal.
The Knights nearly sealed the win, but Dallas’ Robertson blocked Stephenson’s empty-net attempt in the final minute.
“A big play at a big time,” Robertson said. “It was pretty lucky, but you’ve got to sell out in those moments. I got a lucky bounce, and it went the other way. What was more impressive was how composed we were in the final moments.”
Robertson’s stop proved crucial when Hintz scored with 38 seconds left on a 6-on-5. The NHL office initiated a video review, but the goal was upheld, sending the game to overtime.
Dallas missed early opportunities to take the lead with a four-minute power play in the first period and a 5-on-3 for 59 seconds in the second.
Vegas broke through with Brayden McNabb’s shot from the point, redirected by Amadio with 8 minutes left in the second period. That ended Oettinger’s 92-minute shutout streak against the Knights this season.
The Stars responded 2:01 later when Johnston scored from Ty Dellandrea’s pass.
Vegas had seven shots on goal in overtime, and Dallas had three, but both goalies held firm.
BROSSOIT’S SAVE
Brossoit made an incredible save on his back against Tyler Seguin in overtime, backhanding the puck away to keep the game alive.
“That might be the save of the year,” DeBoer said. “I’m happy for LB. I got the opportunity to coach him, and I know the road he’s had with the surgeries and the recovery, so it’s nice to see him back in the league at that level.”
When asked about Brossoit’s save, Oettinger said, “I’m sure that will be all over Instagram tonight. It’s just an unbelievable save.”
Brossoit humbly commented, “Some of the best saves mean you’re out of position, and I was. I threw my glove at it, and luckily he shot at the one spot that I could’ve gotten it.”
NOTES
- Robertson is 5 for 6 in shootouts this season and 10 for 19 in his career. “He’s like automatic,” Oettinger said. “It’s scary. I hope I never have to face him in a game in a shootout. I don’t even want to in practice.”
- Vegas’ Shea Theodore has points in six consecutive games (two goals, seven assists).
- D Nic Hague played in his 200th career game, all with the Golden Knights.
UP NEXT
- Stars: Host Vancouver on Monday night.
- Golden Knights: At Colorado on Monday night.
