The Dallas Stars didn’t start Game 1 of the Western Conference Final the way they envisioned. For two periods, they were chasing the pace, down 3–1 to an energized Edmonton Oilers squad. But when the third period began, so did a transformation—one fueled by belief, resilience, and Miro Heiskanen’s relentless push from the blue line.
The All-Star defenseman was a key figure in Dallas’ five-goal explosion in the final frame, turning a daunting deficit into a commanding 6–3 victory. After the win, Heiskanen delivered a message that encapsulates the Stars’ postseason mindset.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re down two goals, however many goals, we never quit,” Heiskanen said according to NHL.com. “There’s always a chance to come back and we feel like if we play like that, pressure the [defensemen] and play in their zone more, it’s always a chance to win. Great third. If we keep doing that, it’s going to be good.”
Third-period resurgence defines Game 1
The Oilers had dictated most of the play through 40 minutes. Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard gave Edmonton a multi-goal cushion, while Dallas seemed off-rhythm. But the Stars didn’t flinch. Heiskanen started the rally just 32 seconds into the third period, and from there, the momentum shifted entirely.
Capitalizing on multiple Oilers penalties, Mikael Granlund, Matt Duchene, Roope Hintz, and Sam Steel all found the back of the net. The power play, long scrutinized during last year’s playoff run, proved decisive—scoring three goals in a span of just over five minutes.
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Head coach Pete DeBoer praised both the unit’s execution and the team’s response to early adversity. “I didn’t feel through 40 minutes that we had made them earn the position they were in. So, guys responded,” DeBoer said. “We got fortunate. We got some power-play goals. Happy for our power play. It took a lot of heat last year at this point of the year. It was the difference tonight for us, so it’s great.”
Stars embrace grit over perfection
Wednesday night’s win wasn’t flawless—but it was a showcase of mental toughness. Despite being outplayed early, Stars’ turned the tide with poise and pressure, dictating play and wearing down the Oilers’ defensive structure.
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Game 2 now looms as a chance for the Stars to reinforce their edge or for the Oilers to punch back. Either way, Heiskanen’s message has been sent: Dallas won’t back down.
