The Dallas Stars are sailing after destroying the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3, which has them leading the team in the playoff series 2-1 ahead of Game 4 on Tuesday, May 13, at 8:00 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The Stars are coming off a magnificent 5-2 win in Game 3 of the series, in which they were able to capitalize on three goals in the third period to win the game. Having the momentum on their side and with the home ice advantage on their side, the Stars are now just two wins away from qualification, but the Jets won’t give it out without putting up a fight.
Game 4 on Tuesday has the potential to become a turning point in the series. Whereas Dallas wants to build pressure, Winnipeg is in serious want of a reaction and leveling the series.
Potential Lineups:
Dallas Stars:
Forwards:
- Mikko Rantanen
- Roope Hintz
- Jason Robertson
Defense:
- Thomas Harley
- Miro Heiskanen
Goalie:
- Jake Oettinger
Winnipeg Jets:
Forwards:
- Kyle Connor
- Mark Scheifele
- Nikolaj Ehlers
Defense:
- Josh Morrissey
- Neal Pionk
Goalie:
- Connor Hellebuyck
Key Matchups:
Goaltending Battle: Jake Oettinger has been solid for Dallas with a .911 save percentage, while Connor Hellebuyck has struggled, posting a 3.51 GAA and .848 save percentage in the playoffs.
Offensive Leaders: Mikko Rantanen leads all players in the playoffs with 18 points, including a goal and two assists in Game 3. Kyle Connor scored his first goal of the series in Game 3, marking his fifth of the playoffs.
Prediction:
With the shift in momentum in Game 3, the Dallas Stars seem to be back on the scoring track at the right moment. Their third-period dominance, with significant inputs from Robertson and Hintz, has only revealed Winnipeg’s weakness at the blue line, especially if the Jets do not clear the puck from their zone with efficiency.
The goaltender for Dallas, Jake Oettinger, continues to remain a steady rock for Dallas, and goaltending for Dallas is one of their strengths. If they continue to play a structured game and not panic and put the puck in the net, it will be difficult to score against them.
The Jets, on the other hand, will need a better show from Connor Hellebuyck and overly aggressive forechecking from their top lines. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor need to pick it up on offense if Winnipeg hopes to even out the series.
Game 4 may be a nail-biter, but if the Stars bring their level of composure and intensity from Game 3 with them, they could head out of town with a commanding 3-1 series lead. But underestimating Winnipeg’s resilient mentality of coming back would be a mistake—they’ve demonstrated the resilience all season. However, the slight advantage goes to Dallas, leading into this all-important battle.
How to Watch:
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and available for streaming on ESPN+.