The Dallas Stars gave their AHL stud goaltender his first career start against the Chicago Blackhawks last night. Things went well for young Matt Murray as the Stars go on to beat the Blackhawks 5-2. I was super happy to see Pete DeBoer trust Matt Murray last night with the goaltending duties. It’s very rare to see a coach give an AHL goaltender his first career start on the road and it paid off last night. Here are the three takeaways from last night’s Stars game.
Matt Murray made his debut with the @DallasStars tonight, and just clinched his first NHL win to boot!! He talks to @Meesh_McMahon about why this game was extra special 💚#TexasHockey | 📺: BSSW pic.twitter.com/EZZMUUt4Jt
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) March 3, 2023
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Recap: 3. Matt Murray picked up his first career W
Murray delivered when the Stars needed to desperately give starting goaltender Jake Oettinger a night off before the huge matchup on Saturday. He was tested very early on and handled it like a true NHL goaltender. I’m very happy that the guys celebrated in the locker room with him after the game cause that is a huge accomplishment for any young goaltender, especially on the road. Unfortunately, they had to send him back to the Texas Stars after the game to make the cap work for the Max Domi trade.
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Recap: 2. Mr. Roope Hintz picked up his second hat trick of the season
The Stars needed to give Murray a huge goal cushion in order to have a shot at winning this game and Mr. Ace of Spades came to the rescue. Roope Hintz picked up his second hat trick of the season (the third of his career) to give Murray his first career win. The Stars needed to get the top line scoring again and they did just that last night. I’m sure Hintz wasn’t trying to steal the spotlight from Murray but at least his third goal was basically an empty net tap-in.
WE HAVE A HINTZ HATTY 🎩
— NHL (@NHL) March 3, 2023
Roope Hintz nets his third career @Enterprise hat trick to lock in the win for the @DallasStars. 🔐 pic.twitter.com/5pMNGj2M7d
Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Recap: 1. Stars reclaim first place in the Western Conference
The Stars reclaimed first place in the Western Conference with the win last night against the Blackhawks. Even though it’s only by one point over the Golden Knights, I’ll take it. The Stars still have a lot of hockey to play though and can’t celebrate last night’s win today as they have to prepare for a very tough opponent on Saturday afternoon, The Colorado Avalanche. They are in the middle of a surge and if the Stars don’t watch out for them, they could end up in a wildcard spot.