Dallas Stars’ Season Woes Continue in 5-2 Loss to Jets

It’s as good as over at this point. The Dallas Stars couldn’t hold on tonight in a tight Central Division matchup with the Winnipeg Jets and have all but buried their playoff hopes at this point.

The Dallas Stars overcame a two-goal deficit, but could not survive the third period against the Winnipeg Jets. They, once again, came out on the losing end of things tonight in a 5-2 decision versus their division rivals.

Recap

The first period started with a strong Stars offensive presence. That, however, did not translate to offense. Winnipeg scored with a few minutes remaining in the frame and the Jets took their 1-0 advantage into the first intermission.

Winnipeg extended their lead to two in the second period, but Jamie Benn scored to cut their lead in half midway through the frame. Tyler Seguin scored a power play goal with 6:25 remaining in the period to make it 2-2.

The third period saw a number of posts by both sides, but nothing went in until Patrik Laine scored off of a face-off with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. Winnipeg added two empty net goals and defeated the Stars 5-2.

Storylines

Coming Back

The Stars were in a unique position tonight. They surrendered two goals, which is admittedly not very unique this season, but they managed to come back and tie the game in the second period.

While Dallas’ ability to come back from behind in games has greatly diminished this season compared to last, it was good to see them work their way back into it.

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Scoring the two goals to get back to an even playing field is important. Almost more important than that, though, was Dallas’ ability to not give up any more goals before their offense kicked in.

It has happened on more than one occasion this year that the Stars have fallen completely out of contention in games because they had a chance to get back in it, but got scored against instead. That not only destroys any shot at earning two points, it deflates the team’s confidence.

Tonight, however, was a different story. Even though they did lose the game with their issues later on, it was still a good thing to see them come back from being down by two.

Niemi’s Contribution

With the rollercoaster that has been this season for the Stars, goaltending has been unpredictable at best. Dallas has gone back and forth between Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi this year and it has made their jobs, arguably, a bit more difficult.

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Da Windy City

Tonight, though, Niemi showed up ready to play. He was in the zone during the game and made the saves the Stars needed to stay in the game.

That was especially important in the time between Dallas surrendering the second goal to the Jets and Benn scoring the Stars’ first. Had he given up a goal to Winnipeg during that time, Dallas would have likely found themselves in a different position entirely.

Third Period Woes Prove Detrimental

The Dallas Stars are a fragile group right now. Honestly, they have been for the majority of the season. And for whatever reason they have been significantly less effective in third periods this year compared to last.

Surrendering goals late in games is negative for a lot of reasons and Dallas has managed to check off nearly every box in that regard. They have had multiple goal leads and given them away late, they have had one-goal leads and dominated play only to see two points evaporate before their very eyes.

They have scored against themselves and had more turnovers and odd man rushes than anyone can keep track of.

These are the kind of situations that distinguish teams from one another. Dallas, unlike the top teams in the league, is unable to close out games. They can work their way back into games on occasion, but rarely are able to come out on top when all is said and done, which is a deflating tendency to have.

If last game was not the straw that broke the camel’s back, tonight’s certainly was. Dallas’ shot at the postseason is shrinking with each and every passing day, meaning the trade deadline will be that much more nerve-wracking.

Next: Stars Will Honor Jere Lehtinen for 25th Anniversary in 2017-18

Next Game

The Stars will head to Minnesota to take on the Wild in yet another Central Division battle Thursday night.