Stars Outshine Golden Knights in 5-4 Thriller on the Vegas Strip
The Dallas Stars rolled into T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night and left with two points, but not without some late-game drama. In a game that had a little bit of everything-youth stepping up, defensive grit, and a third-period scare-the Stars edged out the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 in regulation. And while the headlines will grab your attention with the final score, there’s a lot more to unpack from this one.
Let’s break down the four biggest takeaways from a win that could carry some serious momentum into the Olympic break.
1. Matt Duchene Keeps Cooking
Matt Duchene is in one of those grooves where every touch of the puck feels dangerous. He opened the scoring with a slick finish on a back-door play that left Adin Hill sprawling.
That’s three straight games with a goal for Duchene, and it’s not just the goals-it’s how he’s scoring them. He’s finding soft spots in coverage, reading plays before they develop, and finishing with confidence.
For a Dallas team that’s been searching for more consistency at even strength, Duchene’s resurgence couldn’t be better timed. He’s giving the Stars a reliable scoring punch outside of their top line, and that depth is going to be crucial down the stretch-especially with a road-heavy schedule ahead.
2. Vegas Comes Out Flat
You don’t see this often: the Golden Knights went more than 11 minutes in the first period without registering a single shot on goal. For a team known for its aggressive forecheck and high-octane start, that’s a head-scratcher. Credit the Stars’ defensive structure-they clogged lanes, limited time and space, and forced Vegas into low-percentage looks early.
Jake Oettinger didn’t have much to do in the opening frame, but that lull in Vegas’ attack helped Dallas build confidence and rhythm. The Stars' ability to control pace and possession in that first period set the tone for the rest of the night. It’s the kind of defensive composure that turns good teams into contenders.
3. Mavrik Bourque Makes His Mark
If you weren’t familiar with Mavrik Bourque before tonight, you are now. The rookie forward delivered his first multi-goal performance in the NHL, and both tallies came at crucial moments. Bourque’s speed and poise with the puck stood out, especially in tight areas where Vegas usually thrives.
His breakout game couldn’t have come at a better time. With Dallas facing some of the league’s elite in recent weeks, they’ve needed fresh energy and secondary scoring.
Bourque brought both. He didn’t just contribute-he helped tilt the ice.
If this is a sign of things to come, the Stars may have found another weapon in their forward group.
4. Even-Strength Offense Breaks Through
Coming into this game, Dallas had been struggling to generate offense at 5-on-5. That narrative flipped in a big way Thursday night.
All five of the Stars’ goals came at even strength, including tallies from Duchene, Bourque (twice), and Wyatt Johnston. That’s the kind of balanced scoring that can wear down opponents and keep pressure off the power play.
Even-strength production is often the best indicator of a team’s long-term success. Special teams can go cold, but if you can create offense in the flow of the game, you’re in good shape. This was a step in the right direction for a Stars team that’s been looking to find that gear again.
Bonus Take: Oettinger’s Night a Mixed Bag
Jake Oettinger’s performance was a tale of two periods. Through the first 40 minutes, he was sharp and composed.
But the third period got dicey-some shaky rebounds and misreads allowed Vegas to claw back into the game. Still, he held on just long enough to secure the win.
With a back-to-back looming, don’t be surprised if Casey DeSmith gets the nod against Utah on Saturday. Oettinger could use a breather, and DeSmith has shown he can hold the fort when called upon.
Up Next: Utah on Deck
The Stars wrap up their road trip this weekend against the Utah Mammoth. With Duchene firing, Bourque emerging, and the even-strength offense finally clicking, Dallas has a real opportunity to build on this momentum heading into the break. If they can bottle the energy and execution from Thursday night, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.