.Setting the Stage
- The Dallas Stars were facing elimination in Game 6 at home, with the Jets pushing for a chance to force a Game 7. Winnipeg had been the top seed in the West in the regular season, so the stakes were high.
- The atmosphere in the American Airlines Center was electric: a home crowd desperate for the Stars to close out the series, avoid going back on the road, and advance to the Western Conference Final yet again. Dallas was trying to keep alive their momentum, while Winnipeg wanted to snatch back control.
Key Moments During Regulation
- Early in the 2nd period, Mark Scheifele scored for Winnipeg, giving them the lead in this elimination‑facing road game. That goal carried weight — emotionally heavy, in fact — because Scheifele had lost his father just hours earlier. He came out and played, scoring that goal despite the personal tragedy.
- Dallas answered with Sam Steel, who tied the game. That goal came off a rebound from an attempt by Thomas Harley, who created the loose puck situation. Steel’s goal was clutch, bringing hope back for the home side.
- Late in regulation, Winnipeg nearly regained momentum, but a critical moment tipped things toward overtime: Scheifele committed a tripping penalty with just 14.8 seconds left in the 3rd period after well‑meaning but desperate pressure. That gave Dallas a late power play, which carried over into the overtime period.
Overtime & The Winning Goal
- The extra frame began with Dallas already on the power play due to that last penalty. Only 1 minute and 33 seconds into OT, Thomas Harley scored the series‑clinching goal. He received a pass from Tyler Seguin from behind the net, found a spot at the slot, and ripped home a one‑timer.
- The goaltenders competed at a high level all night, keeping the game tight. Dallas’ Jake Oettinger made 22 saves in the win. Winnipeg’s goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, held on through regulation, but the star power of Seguin and the opportunism of Harley proved the difference.
Aftermath & Impact
- That goal sent the Dallas Stars into the Western Conference Final for the third straight season. It was a moment of both relief and triumph, especially given the stakes and the pressure: closing a series in OT, avoiding Game 7, doing it at home.
- For the Winnipeg Jets, it was heartbreaking. Scheifele’s emotional goal, under very difficult circumstances, showed character; but the penalty and OT miss loomed large. The top seed couldn’t extend the series.
