They weren’t always the favorites, but the Dallas Stars have a knack for turning doubters into believers. With grit, speed and a little Texas swagger, they’ve carved out a postseason run that’s hard to ignore—and even harder to stop.
Through nail-biting overtimes and clutch performances, they have danced on the edge of elimination more than once. Yet here they are, standing tall among the NHL’s elite, proving that heart and chemistry can outshine even the flashiest stat lines.
From veterans rising to the moment to rookies making waves, the road to Stanley Cup glory has been anything but ordinary. And while the final chapter has yet to be written, one thing is clear: this Dallas squad isn’t just chasing history—they’re ready to make it.
Pivotal moments in Stars’ history
The Dallas Stars’ journey from their inception to becoming a formidable NHL franchise is marked by several pivotal moments that have shaped their identity. After relocating from Minnesota in 1993, they quickly established themselves in Dallas, culminating in their first and only Stanley Cup victory in the 1998–99 season.
This championship run was highlighted by Brett Hull‘s controversial triple-overtime goal in Game 6 against the Buffalo Sabres, a moment that remains etched in hockey history. In 2013, a significant turning point came with the acquisition of Tyler Seguin from the Boston Bruins.
This trade not only brought a dynamic scorer to the team but also signaled a new era of competitiveness for the Stars . Seguin’s impact was immediate, leading the team in points and becoming a central figure in their offensive strategy.
The 2020 playoff run further solidified the Stars’ resilience and determination. Led by standout performances from goaltender Anton Khudobin and forward Denis Gurianov, who scored four goals in a single playoff game, they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, showcasing their depth and tenacity.
Although they fell short against the Tampa Bay Lightning, this run reignited the passion of their fanbase and set the stage for future success.
List of Stars’ Stanley Cup win(s)
1999 — The First and Only (So Far)
- Regular season record: 51–19–12 (114 points)
- Trophy haul: Presidents’ Trophy, Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, Stanley Cup
- Playoff path: Defeated the Oilers (4–0), Blues (4–2), Avalanche (4–3), Sabres (4–2)
- Final moment: Brett Hull scores the Cup-clinching goal in triple OT, Game 6
- Legacy: This was the year everything worked. With Ken Hitchcock’s meticulous system, a rock-solid defense, and clutch scorers up front, the Stars played suffocating hockey and delivered Texas its first NHL title.
The Dallas Stars team after winning the Stanley Cup in 1999. (Source: @DallasStarsDDH)
2020 — The Pandemic Push (Finalists)
- Regular season: Interrupted due to COVID-19
- Playoff path: Beat Calgary (4–2), Colorado (4–3), Vegas (4–1)
- Final result: Lost to Tampa Bay Lightning in 6 games
- Notable: Though they fell short, this improbable run revitalized the franchise. Goaltender Anton Khudobin became a cult hero, and the Stars proved they could still punch above their weight.
Dallas has only one Stanley Cup to its name, but the 2020 run reminded fans of the team’s DNA: tough, talented and never backing down when the lights are brightest, according to sources like Si.
Influential players and contributions
Every championship story needs its cast of icons—and the Stars’ 1999 run was built on more than tactics or statistics. It was won by players who rose in the moment, like Mike Modano, Ed Belfour and more…
Mike Modano, the face of the franchise, led with his skating, skill, and heart. He racked up 23 points in the postseason and was a calming, electric presence every time he touched the puck. He wasn’t just good, he was transcendent, cementing his place as the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history.
Joe Nieuwendyk earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for good reason. He netted 11 goals and was a constant clutch performer—his playoff poise gave Dallas a killer instinct.
Ed Belfour, in net, was impenetrable. His 1.67 goals-against average in the playoffs was as critical as any offensive contribution. Calm, seasoned and ruthless in the crease, he gave the Stars a backbone to lean on when the going got heavy.
Derian Hatcher, the first American-born captain to lift the Cup, led by bruising example. His physicality set the tone for the entire team, according to some professional hockey commentators.
And then there was Brett Hull. The veteran sniper didn’t have a flashy playoffs—until it mattered most. His controversial goal in Game 6 remains one of the most discussed moments in modern NHL history, but what can’t be debated is its impact: it ended the series and etched the Stars into Stanley Cup immortality.
