DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Stars are trending at the right time.
Dallas secured home-ice advantage for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2-0 win, fueled by a sharp performance in net from Jake Oettinger and timely scoring from Jason Robertson.
Oettinger turned aside all 22 shots he faced, earning his fourth shutout of the season and the 16th of his career. Advanced metrics backed up the eye test — he finished with 2.32 goals saved above expected, underscoring his control of the game from start to finish.
“It felt like a one-goal game all night,” Oettinger said. “Our special teams stepped up, and the guys in front of me did a lot of the hard work.”
Robertson accounted for all the offense, scoring twice to push his season total to 43 goals — one of the top single-season marks in franchise history. He now sits behind only Mike Modano, his own previous career-best, and Wyatt Johnston on the club’s all-time list.
Beyond the goals, Robertson added another milestone, skating in his 372nd consecutive game to establish a new franchise record, surpassing Jamie Benn’s previous mark.
Johnston continued his strong season as well, closing with 28 goals on home ice and 53 points at American Airlines Center — both among the best home performances the franchise has seen.
Dallas’ penalty kill delivered a defining effort, going 5-for-5 while shorthanded. It marked the third time this season the unit has handled at least five penalties without surrendering a goal.
“That group takes pride in what they do,” Oettinger said. “It may not get the attention the power play does, but it can change games.”
With the postseason approaching, the Stars will open at home — a setting they believe could provide an early edge.
“You feel the difference playing here,” Oettinger said. “It gives you confidence, especially in big moments.”
Dallas now shifts its focus to the playoffs, carrying both momentum and the comfort of home ice into the next phase.
