Game 6 between the host Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets was filled with emotion and drama, showcasing spectacular plays, powerful shots, brilliant saves, and a deeply personal and difficult decision made by one player who took the ice just hours after receiving news of his father`s death.
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele learned of his father`s unexpected passing before the Saturday morning skate. With the Jets facing elimination from the playoffs, the alternate captain chose to participate in the game, which concluded as a classic 2-1 overtime loss.
With this victory, the Stars advance to the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year. The Jets` loss means the so-called Presidents` Trophy curse continues; remarkably, it has now been at least 12 seasons since the team with the best regular-season record also won the Stanley Cup, with the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks being the last to achieve this.
As another intense night of NHL playoff action wraps up, let`s highlight the standout players named our 3 Stars of the Night.
3. Connor Hellebuyck | Goaltender | Jets
It speaks volumes about the nature of this game when a goaltender makes 18 saves on 20 shots, delivering some acrobatic stops worthy of a Cirque du Soleil performance, and is only ranked as the third star. Hellebuyck was instrumental in keeping the Jets in the contest as they battled to force a Game 7 back in Winnipeg. His skate save against Mikko Rantanen was particularly remarkable.
Hellebuyck played more than well enough to secure a victory in this Game 6 classic, but unfortunately for him, the goaltender at the other end of the ice performed just slightly better.
2. Jake Oettinger | Goaltender | Stars
There are saves, good saves, great saves, and then there`s *this* kind of save. With the score tied 1-1 in the third period, and the game carrying a distinct “next goal wins” tension, Oettinger somehow lunged across his crease to deny Mason Appleton, who appeared to have a wide-open net. With roughly 8:35 left in regulation, Oettinger provided Stars fans with an unforgettable moment, while leaving Jets fans to ponder it throughout the upcoming offseason.
1. Mark Scheifele | Center | Jets
Although he wasn`t on the winning team, and he was called for a tripping penalty late in the third period that led to the winning power-play goal in overtime, it`s essential to look beyond the statistics to truly appreciate what Mark Scheifele did for his team on Saturday night. After learning of his father Brad`s passing the previous night, Scheifele made the courageous decision to play, stating it was what his dad would have wanted. He went on to score the Jets` lone goal in the game.
Following the news of Scheifele`s personal loss, the Dallas Morning News reported that some Stars fans encouraged fellow supporters to donate $55—Scheifele`s jersey number—to charities supported by the Scheifele family. After the game concluded, during the traditional handshake line, several Stars players were seen having extended conversations and sharing embraces with Scheifele, while Metallica`s `Nothing Else Matters` played over the Dallas arena`s sound system.
