The Toronto Post A Consolidated News Source
In a dramatic season finale with major playoff implications, the Dallas Stars rallied from a slow start to defeat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in a shootout on Wednesday night. This victory secured the top seed in the Western Conference for the Stars, solidifying their position as a championship contender.
NHL Highlights Blues vs Stars. April 17, 2024
Early Blues Lead
The St. Louis Blues got off to a hot start, with Robert Thomas scoring the game’s opening goal in the first period. The Stars struggled to find an offensive rhythm early on, with their passing game lacking fluidity and their shots lacking precision.
Stars Battle Back
However, the Stars refused to back down. They increased their intensity in the second and third periods, generating several scoring chances. Their persistence finally paid off late in the third period when Brett Marchment tied the game on a power-play goal.
A Nail-Biting Overtime and Shootout
Neither team could generate a winning goal in overtime, forcing the game into a shootout. Both goaltenders, Jordan Binnington for the Stars and Ville Husso for the Blues, made spectacular saves throughout the shootout. Ultimately, it was Thomas Robertson who emerged as the hero for Dallas, scoring the game-winning goal in the shootout.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
- Thomas’ Early Goal: Robert Thomas’ goal for the Blues put the Stars on their heels early.
- Marchment’s Power-Play Goal: Brett Marchment’s power-play goal in the third period injected life into the Stars’ comeback effort.
- Binnington’s Stellar Saves: Jordan Binnington’s spectacular saves in the shootout, especially on Wyatt Johnston and Brandon Saad, were instrumental in the Stars’ victory.
- Robertson’s Shootout Winner: Thomas Robertson’s winning shootout goal sealed the victory for the Stars and secured the top seed in the Western Conference.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
With the regular season now over, the Dallas Stars can turn their focus towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They will enter the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference, boasting a potent offense, a strong defense, and a reliable goaltender in Jordan Binnington. The Blues, despite the loss, will also make the playoffs and will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with.
Additional Notes
- Stars’ Second Most Wins: This win marked the second-most wins in Dallas Stars franchise history.
- Binnington’s Stellar Season: Jordan Binnington solidified his position as the Stars’ starting goaltender with another impressive performance.
- Youthful Star Power: Young players like Wyatt Johnston and Thomas Robertson displayed their talent and poise in a high-pressure situation.
Next Up:
The Dallas Stars will await their first-round playoff opponent, while the St. Louis Blues will prepare for their own postseason matchup. The stage is set for an exciting playoffs filled with high-stakes battles and thrilling overtime contests.
