Stars 4-3 Jets (February 2, 2026): A Thrilling Overtime Victory
In a nail-biting encounter, the Dallas Stars secured their longest winning streak of the season, extending it to five games with a 4-3 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night. The decisive goal was scored by Thomas Harley at 2:05 of overtime, following a spectacular save by Jake Oettinger on Mark Scheifele's breakaway earlier in the game. This match-up between two top goalies for Team USA, Oettinger and Connor Hellebuyck, showcased their exceptional skills as they each made 24 saves.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Dallas taking a 3-2 lead through a masterful play by Mikko Rantanen with 7:43 remaining in regulation. However, the Jets responded swiftly, with Logan Stanley equalizing on a 6-on-5 power play with just 1:43 to go. Jason Robertson and Nils Lundkvist also contributed to the Stars' success, with Robertson scoring his 199th career goal and Lundkvist finding the back of the net. This victory ties the Stars with the New York Islanders for the most one-goal wins in the NHL.
For the Jets, Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Perfetti each recorded a goal and an assist, while Scheifele provided two assists. Despite the loss, Matt Duchene's four-game goal streak came to an end, but he still managed to assist on a crucial goal. Miro Heiskanen's pass set up Harley's game-winning backhand shot over Hellebuyck's pad.
The game's momentum shifted slightly when Robertson opened the scoring early in the second period, with the Jets taking a 2-1 lead just over three minutes later. Vilardi's 21st goal of the season and Perfetti's power-play goal ended Winnipeg's five-game drought without a power-play goal. However, the Stars fought back, with Lundkvist poking in a rebound to tie the game with five minutes left in the second period.
Looking ahead, both teams will play their final game before the Olympic break on Wednesday night. The Jets will face Montreal, while the Stars welcome St. Louis to the ice.
For more NHL coverage, visit AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl