Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Dallas.On Saturday in its second-to-last game of the regular season, the Stars took care of business against the Seattle Kraken, defeating them 3-1 to clinch their first division title since the 2015-16 season. Dallas became the first team in the NHL to clinch its division.
The Stars nearly took a 2-0 advantage midway through the second period when Sam Steel had a penalty shot attempt. Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak covered the puck in the crease, and the referees ruled that the whistle blew before it crossed the goal line. That set up a penalty shot for Steel, who was unable to convert. Dallas is 2-for-4 on penalty shot attempts this year.
While Dallas couldn’t capitalize on that penalty, it did on two others later in the period. The Stars went on the power play with under two minutes remaining after Ryker Evans was called for hooking Wyatt Johnston. Early in that power play, Seattle had a shorthanded breakaway, but Brandon Tanev — Chris Tanev’s brother — plowed into Oettinger and was called for goalie interference, giving Dallas 1:38 of 5-on-3.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger came close to another shutout, but Seattle added a goal by Kailer Yamamoto with about five minutes to play. Oettinger made 26 saves on 27 shots.It also narrows their first-round playoff opponent to just three teams. The Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights are separated by just three points.The Stars players have said they believe they can handle any opponent they’re assigned in the first round.