Stars Dominate Senators 6-1 Behind Johnston’s Hat Trick, DeSmith’s Steady Play, and a Red-Hot Power Play
The Dallas Stars didn’t just beat the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night - they made a statement. With a 6-1 win, Dallas completed the season sweep and reminded the rest of the league that when they’re clicking, they can overwhelm opponents in every phase of the game.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing early on. The Stars struggled to find the back of the net in the first period despite generating chances.
But once the floodgates opened, there was no looking back. Mavrik Bourque, Jason Robertson, and Wyatt Johnston all lit the lamp, with Johnston stealing the show in a big way.
Now, the Stars hit the road for a two-game swing out East, but not without a few key storylines to track - both good and potentially concerning.
1. Wyatt Johnston’s Hat Trick Headlines a Power Play That’s Borderline Unstoppable
Wyatt Johnston is quickly becoming one of those players you don’t want to see on the ice if your team takes a penalty. The 2021 first-round pick notched a hat trick - including two power-play goals - and continues to prove he’s not just a promising young player. He’s already a difference-maker.
Johnston’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and finish with confidence has made him a fixture on Dallas’ top power-play unit. His hockey IQ is off the charts, and he’s starting to look like the kind of guy who can tilt a game in a single shift. The fact that he wasn’t even a lock on the Stars’ radar during his draft year makes his rise all the more impressive.
And let’s not overlook the work of Neil Graham, who’s been instrumental in keeping the power play humming. The Stars went 2-for-4 with the man advantage against Ottawa, and at this point, it’s almost expected that they’ll cash in. Opposing teams are learning the hard way - you give Dallas a power play, you’re probably giving up a goal.
2. Casey DeSmith Keeps Delivering as a Rock-Solid Backup
It’s becoming harder to ignore just how valuable Casey DeSmith has been for the Stars this season. With Jake Oettinger getting the night off ahead of a tough East Coast road trip, DeSmith stepped in and delivered yet another composed, efficient performance in net.
He didn’t need to stand on his head - Dallas controlled much of the game - but when called upon, DeSmith was sharp. He tracked the puck well, controlled rebounds, and gave the Senators nothing easy. At this point, it’s fair to say the Stars might have landed one of the best backup goaltenders in the league.
With both Oettinger and DeSmith playing at a high level, Dallas has the kind of goaltending tandem that can steal games when needed and give the team a legitimate shot in any matchup. And the best part? DeSmith is under contract for another year and a half.
3. Lian Bichsel Injury Clouds the Win
While the win was convincing, the Stars may have suffered a significant loss on the blue line. Lian Bichsel went down hard in the second period, appearing to re-injure the same ankle that required surgery in the past. No official update yet, but the concern is real.
If Bichsel misses extended time, Dallas could be forced to explore the trade market - potentially looking at a short-term rental to shore up the defense. Competing in the Western Conference without one of your top defensemen is no easy task, and Jim Nill may need to act quickly depending on the diagnosis.
4. Jason Robertson Is Heating Up - And Earning Every Dollar
Jason Robertson added to the scoresheet again, continuing a stretch of strong performances that are starting to feel routine. He’s doing what elite players do: producing consistently, making his teammates better, and forcing the front office to make some tough decisions.
Robertson’s contract situation looms large. The longer he keeps playing at this level, the more leverage he gains.
He’s not just a core piece - he’s the kind of player you build around. At some point, it’s going to be time for Dallas to lock him up long-term.
Every point he puts up is another reason to get that deal done sooner rather than later.
Up Next: Road Test Against the Rangers and Devils
The Stars now head east for a two-game road trip, starting with a tough matchup against the New York Rangers. With Oettinger expected back in net and the power play firing on all cylinders, Dallas is well-positioned to keep the momentum going. But keep an eye on the injury report - Bichsel’s status could impact how this team looks moving forward.
For now, though, the Stars are rolling - and Wyatt Johnston just put the rest of the league on notice.