The Dallas Stars won 4-3 against the Minnesota Wild in double overtime in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round at Grand Casino Arena on April 23.
The game was decided by Wyatt Johnston, who scored a power-play goal at 12:10 into the second overtime. Johnston, who led the National Hockey League with 27 power-play goals during the regular season, deflected a shot from Miro Heiskanen for the winning goal. “I don’t really exactly remember getting bumped, just trying to get to the net,” Johnston said. “We’re trying to get some more pucks there, trying to get some opportunities around the net. I’d have to look at it again and see, it’s kind of a little blurry, but just trying to get to the net and trying to get my stick on the puck.”
Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene each had a goal and two assists for Dallas. Mikko Rantanen contributed a goal and an assist as well. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 28 saves for Dallas, which now leads the best-of-seven series two games to one.
Minnesota received goals from Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Michael McCarron. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 32 shots for Minnesota. Wild forward Matt Boldy said: “We’re still confident in our group… Back and forth, a lot of chances, goals, saves, everything… We’re so confident in our group so let’s nip that in the bud now because it’s made up.” Coach John Hynes commented on special teams play: “We lost (the special teams battle) tonight, so it’s not good enough… We got two days in between games to see if we can get it rolling.”
Dallas converted three out of eight power plays while Minnesota scored once on seven opportunities with an extra skater.
Game four is scheduled for Saturday at Grand Casino Arena.
