NHL: Stars top Wild in double OT to take 2-1 series lead

Dallas Stars Prevail in Double Overtime, 4-3, to Take 2-1 Lead in Series

Wyatt Johnston scored a power-play goal with 7:50 left in double overtime to lift the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Wednesday in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson each recorded one goal and two assists, contributing heavily to Dallas’ win. The Stars now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Johnston and Mikko Rantanen both tallied one goal and one assist in the thrilling contest.

Goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 28 of 31 shots, earning the win in the marathon game.

For Minnesota, Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Michael McCarron scored a goal apiece. Jesper Wallstedt allowed four goals on 36 shots.

Ducks Even Series with 6-4 Win Over Oilers

Cutter Gauthier had a stellar performance with two goals and one assist as the Anaheim Ducks evened their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers with a 6-4 win in Game 2.

Ryan Poehling also scored twice for the Ducks, while Alex Killorn contributed a goal and two assists. Jacob Trouba added another goal, Jackson LaCombe recorded three assists, and Lukas Dostal made 33 saves in the victory.

For Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl registered one goal and one assist. Connor Ingram stopped 22 shots, and Connor Murphy, Zach Hyman, and Josh Samanski each posted one goal.

Flyers Dominate Penguins 5-2 to Take 3-0 Series Lead

Trevor Zegras, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nick Seeler, and Noah Cates all scored their first career playoff goals as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

Goaltender Dan Vladar had 28 saves in the win, and Owen Tippett added a goal for the Flyers. Cates and Zegras also contributed with one assist each, while Jamie Drysdale, Sean Couturier, and Noah Juulsen each logged two assists.

For Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored the team’s goals, but the Penguins will now need to win Saturday’s Game 4 in Philadelphia to keep their playoff hopes alive. Stuart Skinner made 24 saves in the loss.

-Field Level Media/Reuters