Stars Snap Skid in Style with Statement Win Over Bruins
The Dallas Stars came into Monday night needing a spark. They didn’t just find one-they lit a fire.
In a game that had all the makings of a midseason reset, Dallas snapped its losing streak with a commanding win over the Boston Bruins. From physicality to special teams to sheer shot volume, the Stars delivered a performance that checked every box-and then some.
Let’s break down four key takeaways from a night that might just be the turning point in the Stars’ season.
1. Bastian Brings the Energy-And the Crowd With Him
Sometimes, all it takes is one moment to flip the script. For the Stars, that moment came courtesy of Nathan Bastian.
Midway through a sluggish first period, Bastian dropped the gloves and delivered a jolt of adrenaline to both the bench and the fans at American Airlines Center. He landed a few solid punches, scored the takedown, and in doing so, set the tone for the rest of the night.
It wasn’t an immediate offensive explosion, but it was a clear momentum shift. The energy picked up, the team got rolling, and the Bruins suddenly found themselves on their heels.
It’s the kind of presence that could make Bastian a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches. He brought more than just fists-he brought fight.
2. Power Play Comes Alive at Last
Dallas has been waiting-perhaps impatiently-for the power play to click again. On Monday, it finally did.
Wyatt Johnston opened the scoring on the Stars’ second man advantage of the night, ripping one past Jeremy Swayman. Mavrik Bourque followed up with a goal of his own later in the first period, cashing in on another power play opportunity.
It wasn’t just the goals-it was the movement, the urgency, the purpose on the puck. Even with Mikko Rantanen out of the lineup due to the flu, the Stars looked sharp and confident with the extra man.
When this unit is humming, they’re dangerous. And while the lines may shuffle once Rantanen returns, this was a reminder of what this power play is capable of.
3. Shots, Shots, and More Shots
If the mission was to pepper Swayman and test Boston’s defensive structure, Dallas executed it to perfection.
The Stars outshot the Bruins 15-6 in the first period alone and maintained that edge throughout the night. At one point, they were doubling Boston’s shot total-a clear sign of just how dialed in they were offensively.
It wasn’t just volume-it was quality. Dallas attacked from all angles, including a goal that came from the blue line, and kept the Bruins chasing for most of the game.
This kind of offensive pressure has been missing during the recent slump, but tonight, it was relentless. If they can bottle this kind of effort, a win streak heading into the Olympic break is absolutely in play.
4. Justin Hryckowian Makes His Case-Loud and Clear
Let’s talk about Justin Hryckowian.
The young forward was everywhere on the ice Monday night, and his effort didn’t go unnoticed. He not only scored a goal-one that held up after a video review-but also brought energy, pace, and a noticeable spark to the top line.
With Sam Steel in the mix, there’s competition for that top-line center spot, but Hryckowian made a convincing argument with this performance. His chemistry with the group, his instincts in the offensive zone, and his willingness to celebrate with teammates even before the goal was confirmed-that’s the kind of presence coaches love.
And considering the value the Stars are getting from him over the next two seasons, this might be one of the sneakier-good contracts on the roster.
Up Next
The Stars get a day to reset before heading to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets. It’ll be a reunion of sorts, with a familiar face behind the opposing bench. But if Dallas brings the same energy, physicality, and offensive push they showed against Boston, they’ll be tough to handle.
For now, the losing streak is over-and the Stars look ready to start building something better.