The Dallas Stars had an opportunity to close out their series against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 5, but instead, the Jets secured a 4-0 shutout victory, extending their postseason run by at least one more game.
The next game is scheduled for Saturday in Dallas. Can the Stars punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final for a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers? Or will the Jets force a decisive Game 7 back on their home ice Monday?
Below is a preview of the upcoming game, featuring statistical insights, a brief summary of Friday`s completed games, and the three stars of Friday.
Matchup Notes
Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets
Game 6
The Stars hold a 3-2 series lead. According to ESPN BET, their odds to win the series are -380, while the Jets` odds are +290. Dallas is listed at +325 to win the Stanley Cup, and Winnipeg at +2200.
Teams that have held a 3-1 lead in a playoff series since 2023 have a combined record of 23-1 (the only team to lose was the Boston Bruins against the Florida Panthers in the 2023 first round).
Can Connor Hellebuyck overcome his road struggles this postseason? At home, he boasts a 6-1 record with a 1.73 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. On the road, his record is 0-5 with a 5.84 GAA and a .793 SV%.
Kyle Connor has been a consistent offensive threat for Winnipeg, with 16 points in 12 games. His 1.33 points per game rate is the third highest in a single postseason by an American-born player (minimum 10 games played), trailing only Jake Guentzel in 2018 (1.75) and Brian Leetch in 1995 (1.40).
Mikko Rantanen leads the scoring race this postseason with nine goals and 19 points. His recently formed line with Mikael Granlund and Roope Hintz has outscored opponents 7-2 in 108:34 of shared ice time.
Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger holds a 17-6 record with a 2.03 GAA and a .924 SV% (including one shutout) in 23 career postseason games played after a loss.
Öcal`s Three Stars from Friday
1. Auston Matthews, Center
Matthews scored the game`s opening goal in the third period, which proved to be the game-winner. This was his first goal against the Panthers – and his first career playoff goal scored beyond the first round.
2. Maple Leafs Shot Blockers
The Leafs blocked 31 shots in this game, including several critical moments late in the third period, helping Joseph Woll secure a shutout and force a Game 7. This was Woll`s first career playoff shutout, and he received significant support from his teammates.
3. Max Pacioretty, Left Wing
Pacioretty netted the insurance goal in the third period, his third goal of the postseason, as the veteran forward continues his pursuit of his first Stanley Cup.
Friday`s Game Recap
Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Florida Panthers 0
Series Tied 3-3 / Game 7 Sunday
With a spot in the Eastern Conference Final on the line for the Panthers and their playoff run at stake for the Leafs, the teams remained scoreless for the first two periods, featuring notable saves by both goaltenders. At 6:20 of the third period, Toronto captain Auston Matthews scored his first goal of the series, which proved to be enough for the win. Max Pacioretty`s goal at 14:17 added extra cushion. After a Game 5 he would prefer to forget, Joseph Woll stopped all 22 shots he faced. The teams now head back to Toronto for Game 7 on Sunday.
Rupert Hartwell