The Dallas Stars advanced to the conference semifinals after a narrow 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7, highlighted by Radek Faska’s decisive goal and Wyatt Johnston’s impressive playoff performance.
The Dallas Stars just edged out a win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7, finishing 2-1. It’s always like this, isn’t it? The game-changer wasn’t exactly a work of art.
Just 44 seconds into the third, Radek Faska, from the Stars’ fourth line, lobbed what looked like an easy backhand towards the net. Somehow, it sneaked through, bypassing Golden Knight goalie Adin Hill, and boom – Dallas was up 2-1.
They say it doesn’t matter how; it’s how many. And the Stars? They had that crucial one more. Faksa’s goal might not be the prettiest, but Wyatt Johnston added some sparkle. His first-period goal was something else.
Johnston intercepted a sloppy pass from Vegas’ Shea Theodore, charged into their zone, and fired a beauty past Hill. At just 20, Johnston’s tally this playoffs? Four goals, three assists. Including a game-winner in Game 3.
Postgame, Dallas’ goalie Jake Oettinger had only praise for Johnston, noting his unshakeable nature. “Except maybe on the golf course,” he joked to TNT’s Jackie Redmond. “On ice, he’s solid. Just a great guy to watch.”
While Dallas nailed a few crucial moments, Vegas is left ruing missed opportunities. None more so than Jack Eichel.
Late in the second, Eichel had a golden chance to lead. He wove through Dallas’ defense and outplayed Oettinger but missed an open net.
This series lived up to the hype. Despite their standings, both teams were Stanley Cup hopefuls. But only one could advance. Dallas deservedly won, but the Golden Knights didn’t make it easy.
Now, Dallas faces the Colorado Avalanche in the conference semifinals. As for Vegas? Their journey to defend the Stanley Cup title ends here.
