Stars Edge Jets in Overtime Thriller Despite Strong Nights from Vilardi, Perfetti
In a game that had just about everything-momentum swings, special teams drama, and a wild finish-the Dallas Stars ultimately outlasted the Winnipeg Jets in overtime, skating away with a 4-3 victory. It was a tough pill to swallow for a Jets team that showed real fight, especially late, but couldn’t quite close it out.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded.
Power Play Wakes Up, But Defensive Lapses Prove Costly
The Jets’ penalty kill got an early test and failed it when Jason Robertson was left all alone in front of the net. The Stars forward made no mistake, tipping home the game’s opening goal on the power play. Winnipeg’s coverage broke down on the weak side, and Dylan DeMelo, caught between responsibilities, wasn’t able to tie up Robertson in time.
But the Jets responded. Gabriel Vilardi-who continues to be one of the few bright spots in a frustrating season-tallied his 21st of the year, keeping him on pace for 30-plus. The goal was set up by a slick feed from Cole Perfetti, who showed great vision and patience on the play.
Perfetti wasn’t done there. He snapped the Jets’ 0-for-14 skid on the power play with his sixth goal of the season, again off a sharp setup from Vilardi. It was a much-needed jolt for a special teams unit that’s been ice cold of late.
Defensive Breakdowns and Mismatches Haunt Winnipeg
While the Jets got contributions offensively, their defensive zone play left plenty to be desired. DeMelo found himself in the spotlight again on the Stars’ second goal-this time trying to juggle coverage between Sam Steel and Nils Lundkvist.
He had Steel tied up initially, then switched off, but didn’t get much help from the top line in cleaning up the rebound. The puck ended up in the back of the net.
In the third, the Jets had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but their captain couldn’t finish off a beautiful pass from Perfetti. Moments later, a tough mismatch spelled trouble-Luke Schenn found himself trying to contain Mikko Rantanen, and that went about as well as you’d expect. Rantanen powered his way to the net and gave the Stars a 3-2 lead.
Stanley Steps Up Late, But OT Belongs to Dallas
Just when it looked like the Jets were out of gas, they found life with the goalie pulled. Logan Stanley-yes, Logan Stanley-delivered the equalizer with the extra attacker on the ice.
That’s his ninth of the season, and it came off the 40th assist of the year from Mark Scheifele. Not exactly the duo you'd expect to connect in crunch time, but that’s hockey.
Unfortunately for Winnipeg, the magic ran out in overtime. Thomas Harley ended it for Dallas with the game-winner, but not without controversy.
Connor Hellebuyck was visibly frustrated after the goal, and a closer look at the replay showed his helmet strap had come undone just before the puck went in. Hellebuyck likely expected the officials to blow the play dead for safety, but the whistle never came.
Standout Performances
- Gabriel Vilardi: 1 goal, 1 assist - continues to be a consistent offensive force.
- Cole Perfetti: 1 goal, 1 assist - played with poise and creativity all night.
- Mark Scheifele: 2 assists - including a key helper on the late tying goal.
What’s Next
The Jets now return to Winnipeg for one final game before the Olympic break. They’ll look to build off the positives from this one-namely the power play breakthrough and the late-game resilience-and try to clean up the defensive miscues that have been haunting them.
Plenty to unpack, but one thing’s clear: this Jets team isn’t quitting, even when the breaks don’t go their way.