The Dallas Stars choke again in the 3rd period as they lose to Preds 2-1

Once again the Dallas Stars amaze me in a bad way this season. With the 1-0 lead early in the 3rd period, the Stars would choke in the final seconds of the period to lose to the Predators 2-1. Jake Oettinger did his job tonight, I can’t say the same for the rest of the team and the coaches. The Stars also fall to the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference as their playoffs hope are dwindling by a thread now.

If the Stars want to make the playoffs this season, they have to keep winning for the rest of March and April. Every point counts from here on out if they want to hold on to that playoff spot. Here is what happened against the Predators tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators: 1st period recap

I really feel bad for Jake Oettinger in the 1st period cause the Star’s energy and motivation apparently stayed in the locker room. The Stars were constantly having to defend their zone as Nashville does not wait for their opponent to make the first move.

The only highlight that really happened in the 1st period was the amazing stop that Esa Lindell made to help out Oettinger keep it scoreless.

The Stars and the Predators would remain tied going into the 1st intermission. The Predators outshot the Stars 10-5 in the 1st period. The Stars need to show some energy in the 2nd period if they want to continue the winning streak that they are on.

Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators: 2nd period recap

The Stars look better in the 2nd period but still couldn’t get a puck past Juuse Saros. The score remained scoreless going into the 2nd intermission. The Stars still trailed the Predators in shots on goal 24-14 after two periods. The Stars need to get some past Saros if they want the two points tonight.

Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators: 3rd period recap

We are going to start with the good news first about the 3rd period. John Klingberg was finally able to get one past Saros from the blue line to take the lead 1-0 to start the period. However, the Predators weren’t going to settle being scoreless, Ryan Johansen would tie the game at 1 with 7 minutes remaining in the final frame.

This is when the bad news kicks in, the Stars couldn’t get the puck out of their zone in the final seconds and the Predators capitalized. Roman Josi would score with a 1:22 left in the game and the Predators would go on to win 2-1 and take back the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference. The Stars get a two day break as they welcome the New York Rangers to the AAC on Saturday.