The Dallas Stars were surprised by the Winnipeg Jets in the fifth game of the series, falling with a score of 4-0. This defeat extended their participation in the postseason for at least one more game.
The next game, Game 6, will be played on Saturday in Dallas. The game can be followed at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.
The Stars will seek to secure their place in the Western Conference final, where they could face the Edmonton Oilers again. On the other hand, the Jets will try to force a seventh game at home.
Analysis of the Confrontation
Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets
Game 6 | 8 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN+
With a 3-2 series lead, the Stars are favored at -380, while the Jets are at +290 to win the series. Regarding the Stanley Cup odds, Dallas is at +325 and Winnipeg, +2200.
So far this season, teams leading a playoff series 3-1 have won 23 out of 24 times.
A key factor will be the performance of Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender. Hellebuyck performs remarkably at home, but has struggled playing away in this postseason.
Kyle Connor has been a consistent player for Winnipeg, accumulating 16 points in 12 games. His 1.33 points-per-game average is the third-highest for a U.S.-born player in a single postseason (minimum 10 games).
Mikko Rantanen leads the postseason in goals and points, with nine goals and 19 points. His line, formed with Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz, has outscored their opponents 7-2 in combined time on ice.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has performed well in games following a loss, with a record of 17-6, a goals-against average of 2.03, and a save percentage of .924 in 23 postseason games.
Friday Stars
- Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: Scored the game-winning goal.
- Maple Leafs shot blockers: Blocked 31 shots, including key moments in the third period, securing the victory.
- Max Pacioretty, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs: Scored the second goal of the game.
Friday Summary
Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Florida Panthers 0
The series is tied 3-3, and Game 7 will be played on Sunday.
The two teams kept the score at zero during the first two periods, with outstanding saves by both goalies. In the third period, Auston Matthews scored, followed by Max Pacioretty’s goal.
The Leafs’ goalie, Joseph Woll, stopped the 22 shots he faced.
