DALLAS — The Dallas Stars’ power play continues to deliver. At even strength, it’s proving costly — and now it has them on the brink.
The Stars fell 4-2 to the Minnesota Wild in Game 5, dropping behind 3-2 in the series despite extending one of the most efficient power-play runs in franchise playoff history.
Dallas netted its ninth power-play goal of the postseason, scoring with the man advantage for the fifth straight game — the first time the franchise has done so since relocating in 1993-94. The stretch ranks among the most productive in recent NHL postseason history, trailing only the 2012 Flyers (11) and 2010 Kings (10) through five games.
Defenseman Miro Heiskanen opened the scoring on the power play, extending his point streak to five games. He later added an assist, continuing his strong postseason presence against Minnesota with 12 points in 11 career playoff games.
Forward Jason Robertson added Dallas’ second goal, pushing his goal streak to five consecutive games — a franchise-best to start a playoff run. He also extended his overall playoff goal streak to eight games dating back to last season and matched his career postseason high with an active five-game point streak.
But the Stars couldn’t solve Minnesota at 5-on-5.
Dallas generated zone time but managed limited clean looks, finishing with just 11 shots through two periods as the Wild consistently clogged shooting lanes and forced misses.
Head coach Glen Gulutzan pointed to execution as the difference.
“We got inside and created some chances, but too many were blocked or missed the net,” Gulutzan said. “You have to convert those opportunities this time of year.”
Mikko Rantanen, who recorded an assist to give him six points in the series, emphasized the same issue.
“We’ve had a lot of zone time, but they’re defending well and blocking shots,” Rantanen said. “That’s the difference right now — 5-on-5 goals.”
Captain Jamie Benn kept the focus forward as the series shifts back north.
“We knew it would be tight,” Benn said. “Now it’s about going on the road and winning one game.”
The Stars’ power play remains a strength. Whether they can find answers at even strength will determine if their season continues.
