On May 17, 2025, the Dallas Stars defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in Game 6, securing a spot in the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive season. Thomas Harley scored the overtime winner thanks to a power play set up by a late penalty from Jets’ Mark Scheifele, who also scored despite the recent loss of his father. Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger made key saves, while Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck faced 20 shots. Despite their efforts, the Jets became the latest top-seeded team to exit early, while Dallas prepares to face the Edmonton Oilers for the second straight year.
Thomas Harley netted a power-play goal just 1:33 into overtime, propelling the Dallas Stars to the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive season, defeating the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in Game 6 on Saturday night.
Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets shortly after the unexpected passing of his father but also received a tripping penalty with 14.8 seconds remaining in regulation, allowing the Stars to commence overtime with a man advantage.
Sam Steel, who had previously scored for Dallas, was on a breakaway when Scheifele lunged in an attempt to play the puck, resulting in a trip near the blue line. The Stars took a timeout but were unable to capitalize, recording one missed shot and another blocked before the end of regulation.
The game-winning goal added to an impressive season for Harley, Dallas’ emerging defenseman, who represented Team Canada earlier in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“Not surprising to those in the room,” said Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger regarding Harley’s ascent. “We’re very fortunate.”
The Stars are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in the Western finals for the second consecutive year, hosting Game 1 on Wednesday. Connor McDavid and his team secured their place by finishing off the Vegas Golden Knights with a 1-0 overtime victory in Game 5 of their second-round series.
Oettinger made 22 saves, marking his sixth playoff series victory over the last three seasons. He executed a remarkable diving save with 8½ minutes left in regulation, stretching to the right before having to dive back to the left post to deflect a shot from Mason Appleton.
Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 18 shots but couldn’t avert a loss that left his team winless on the road this postseason.
“I’m just disappointed,” said Winnipeg captain Adam Lowry. “We couldn’t secure that [penalty] kill for [the fans] to set up a win in Winnipeg for Game 7. However, I’m really proud of this group and how we managed everything and fought back. … We just fell short.”
The Jets join a lengthy list of Presidents’ Trophy winners who exited early. The New York Rangers took home the award last season before being eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals. Two years prior, the No. 1 seed Boston Bruins lost in the first round to the Florida Panthers.
“We lost to a great team,” remarked Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel. “We faced a team that was in our rearview mirror all year long.”
Scheifele’s performance was highlighted by Dallas coach Pete DeBoer, who opened his postgame media availability by praising what the Jets star did on Saturday as “courageous,” adding, “I’m sure his dad would have been very proud of him and his efforts.”
For the Stars, it’s time for the NHL’s final four, as the franchise continues its quest for a second Stanley Cup title.
“I believe we have something special happening. We’ll need to prove it again,” DeBoer stated. “We’ve reached this point the last two years without moving forward, so that’s our challenge.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.