DALLAS — The Dallas Stars came up short Sunday night, falling 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in a game that showcased both a historic milestone and a reminder of late-season challenges.
Wyatt Johnston provided the highlight for Dallas, scoring on the power play for his 23rd man-advantage goal of the season — a new franchise record. The previous mark of 22 was set by Dino Ciccarelli during the Minnesota North Stars’ 1986-87 campaign. Johnston’s tally also gave him 38 goals on the year, pulling him even with Jason Robertson for the team lead.
The 21-year-old continues to find success against Vegas, extending his point streak against the Golden Knights to six games. During that stretch, Johnston has totaled nine points, including five goals.
Defenseman Miro Heiskanen added to his own standout season, recording his 50th assist on Johnston’s goal. He becomes just the second defenseman in franchise history to post multiple 50-assist seasons, joining Craig Hartsburg. Heiskanen now sits at 59 points this season, marking one of the most productive campaigns ever by a Dallas blue liner.
Despite the individual milestones, the Stars struggled to keep pace with a Vegas team that controlled extended stretches of play.
“No question, they were the better team for longer,” head coach Glen Gulutzan said. “We had moments early and again in the third, but they sustained pressure. When a team like that keeps generating chances, eventually it catches up.”
Dallas showed pushback late, with a more aggressive third period after being outplayed in the second. Still, Gulutzan noted the team’s recent dip in offensive production.
“You can see it — we’re not creating the same volume we were earlier,” he said. “That’s part of a long season, especially with some key guys out. But we’ve got to find that rhythm again quickly.”
Johnston echoed a similar assessment, pointing to inconsistency throughout the night.
“There were good stretches, but not enough of them,” Johnston said. “Overall, it just wasn’t at the level we need.”
Johnston credited his teammates for helping create his record-setting goal, emphasizing the chemistry on the power play.
“The guys have done a great job finding me in spots,” he said. “On that one, it was just a great play all around to open things up.”
Mavrik Bourque also made his presence felt physically, matching a career high with four hits.
Dallas now turns its focus to regaining offensive momentum as the regular season winds down, with little margin for error against playoff-caliber opponents like Vegas.
