This NHL season, the goal for the Dallas Stars is clear: go as far as possible and, why not, dream of lifting the Stanley Cup, something they haven’t done since 1999. The team, coached by Peter DeBoer, had a standout performance from Jake Oettinger against the St. Louis Blues, and it was the goaltender himself who shared his feelings after the game.
The American Airlines Center witnessed a great performance from the Stars, who were able to be decisive in the key moments of the game. After a hat trick by Wyatt Johnston, they halted the St. Louis Blues‘ four-game winning streak.
After the game, the talented Dallas goaltender spoke with the media and was clear in addressing the keys to the game: “Guys scored on our chances, and we played pretty well after that second period and closed it out the right way. You’re up by one and you need guys to step up and give you some breathing room, and we did that,” Oettinger said via NHL.com.
“They threw everything at the net. Sometimes it’s almost nice when you’re getting a lot of rubber and in the rhythm of that. I would almost rather have what I had than what their guys had. You never know what is going to get thrown at you.”
Matt Duchene #95 of the Dallas Stars celebrates with Wyatt Johnston #53 after scoring a goal during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at American Airlines Center on January 02, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
After the 6-3 victory over the Blues, the Dallas Stars sit in second place in the Central Division, just behind the Winnipeg Jets. Their next matchup will be against none other than the New Jersey Devils.
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Pete DeBoer praised the work of the Blues
It was never going to be an easy game, that was known. In fact, the Stars never underestimated their opponent’s talent and, with due respect, approached this crucial matchup exactly as they expected it to unfold. Pete DeBoer, head coach of the home team, emphasized the Blues’ effort, making it clear that they were a tough challenge to overcome.
“I can’t remember us being outshot like that in a long time, so credit to St. Louis. I thought they played heavy and hard and desperate, like we knew they were going to be,” Dallas coach stated. “You’ve got to find different ways to win, and tonight it was our special teams and our goalie were the difference. We don’t ask either of those things to win us games every night, so once in a while you need that. We got that tonight, particularly the power play.”
Wyatt Johnston, one of the standout players of the game, also emphasized his team’s confidence in carrying out the game plan: “It’s really cool to have a chance to do that and see the hats falling on the ice. I think confidence is a huge thing. As a power play, just the way it feels right now, everyone just kind of has that swagger. When we go out there, it feels like we’re going to score every time.”
Head coach Pete DeBoer of the Dallas Stars prepares for his game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 20, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.
What’s next for the Stars?
- vs New Jersey Red Devils, March 4th
- vs Calgary Flames, March 6th
- vs Edmonton Oilers, March 8th
- vs Vancouver Canucks, March 9th
- vs Winnipeg Jets, March 14th
