Johnston's Double-OT Deflection Gives Stars a 2-1 Series Lead Over the Wild
Wyatt Johnston scored his third goal in three games — this one on a power-play deflection in the second OT — to give Dallas a come-from-behind 4-3 win and a series advantage.
This was the kind of game that reminds you why playoff hockey is different from everything else.
Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime Wednesday night, giving the Dallas Stars a wild 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. Dallas leads the series 2-1.
How the Game Actually Played Out
The Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead early. Minnesota clawed back, took a 3-2 lead in the third, and looked like they were about to even this series up.
Then Matt Duchene came up with a power-play goal in the third to tie it 3-3 and force overtime. Then double overtime. Then Johnston redirected a shot past Jesper Wallstedt at 12:10 of the second OT for the series-defining winner.
Johnston has now scored in three consecutive games and has six career playoff overtime goals — he's becoming one of those players who just elevates in the biggest moments.
The Special Teams Story
Minnesota went 0-for-7 on the power play. Zero for seven. In a game decided by a power play goal in double overtime by the other team. That's a brutal combination.
Dallas converted twice on the man advantage, including the OT winner. Special teams was the difference — it almost always is in playoff hockey.
Jake Oettinger stopped 28 shots for Dallas. Wallstedt stopped 32 for Minnesota in a losing effort — not a game he gave away.
Where This Series Stands
Dallas is now in the driver's seat at 2-1 with Game 4 coming up. Minnesota needs a win to stay relevant in this series — and they need to fix their power play before the next one.
The Wild have the talent to make this interesting. But giving up a 2-0 lead, losing the overtime battle on special teams, and now trailing 2-1 at home in Game 4 is not a position they wanted to be in.
The Bottom Line
Johnston's deflection was the kind of moment playoff legacies are made of. Six career playoff OT winners is a short list to be on. Dallas is in control. Minnesota's power play needs to show up or this series is over.