DALLAS — In an exciting overtime finish, Matt Duchene netted the game-winning goal just 2:31 into extra time, leading the Dallas Stars to a nail-biting 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday evening.
Jason Robertson contributed significantly for the Stars, scoring one goal and assisting on another, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 15 saves, enhancing his impressive record at the American Airlines Center to 11-1-0.
The Blues initially took the lead with Jordan Kyrou’s goal in the first period, but despite a strong effort from their goalie Jordan Binnington, who recorded 35 saves, they couldn’t maintain the edge.
Duchene continues to shine for Dallas, currently topping the team’s scoring chart with 13 goals, including four decisive game-winners this season. Meanwhile, Robertson, who has been Dallas’ leading scorer for the last two years, scored his second goal in three games, marking a positive return to form since late October.
Jordan Kyrou is also in fine form for St. Louis, leading the team with 12 goals and a total of 26 points. He has found the net in three straight games and has scored five times over the last six games. Robert Thomas assisted Kyrou’s goal and is riding a six-game point streak, contributing 11 points with three goals and eight assists during that span.
In terms of notable developments, St. Louis was forced to adapt due to defenseman Nick Leddy’s injury, which has sidelined him since late October. As a response, the team acquired Cam Fowler from Anaheim, who logged 17 minutes and 57 seconds of ice time while recording one blocked shot. In a surprising move, veteran forward Brandon Saad, who has struggled without a goal in his last 13 outings, did not participate in the game as a healthy scratch.
For the Stars, the victory was significant as it marked their first win in seven attempts this season when they trailed after the opening period.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred roughly 20 seconds before Duchene’s winning goal, when Oettinger made a crucial save against Pavel Buchnevich, using his left skate to prevent a backhand attempt.
Notably, Binnington’s performance kept the Blues competitive, particularly in the second period, where he allowed only one power-play goal despite Dallas outshooting St. Louis by a whopping 14-3 margin during that timeframe.
Looking ahead, the Blues will face the New York Rangers at home on Sunday, while the Stars will host the Washington Capitals on Monday.
