DALLAS – In an exhilarating finish at American Airlines Center on Thursday, Matt Duchene’s last-minute overtime goal propelled the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory against the Vancouver Canucks. Duchene’s decisive score, combined with his earlier assist, highlighted his crucial role in the Stars’ dramatic comeback.
The game’s climax saw goaltender Scott Wedgewood deny a 2-on-0 opportunity for the Canucks, setting the stage for Duchene’s breakaway goal on a pass from Thomas Harley. This marked Duchene’s NHL-leading sixth game-winning goal of the season. “Wedgewood’s save was the turning point,” Tyler Seguin noted. “His performance, especially in overtime, was exceptional.”
Dallas (19-8-4), now on a five-game point streak (4-0-1), witnessed key contributions from its players. Harley had a goal and an assist, while Seguin and Roope Hintz also found the net. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen each added two assists. Wedgewood’s 17 saves were pivotal in the Stars’ resilient performance.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer praised the quality of the game, acknowledging the Canucks’ strong play. “It was a battle of two well-matched teams, and we’re happy with how we performed,” DeBoer said.
Vancouver (22-9-3), despite the loss, extended its point streak to eight games (6-0-2). Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua each had a goal and an assist, with Teddy Blueger adding two assists. Goalie Thatcher Demko’s 32 saves were instrumental in keeping the Canucks competitive.
Joshua’s early goal set the tone for Vancouver, but Dallas responded with goals from Seguin and Hintz. Brock Boeser’s wrist shot tied the game for the Canucks, and Garland’s third-period goal briefly put them ahead.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet highlighted the team’s effort, despite the loss. “We showed great resilience and had the lead late in the game, but Dallas’ comeback was tough to counter,” Tocchet said.
The game saw a series of remarkable individual achievements. Heiskanen’s two assists moved him up in the Stars/North Stars’ historical rankings for points and assists by a defenseman. Additionally, Dallas became the first team in the League this season to have six players with 10 or more goals.
Harley’s tying goal in the third period set the stage for the thrilling overtime, with the young defenseman expressing relief at being able to redeem himself after a defensive error earlier.
For the Stars, this win underlines their offensive depth and capacity to turn games around in critical moments. The Canucks, maintaining their position as one of the top-scoring teams in the NHL, will look to build on their strong performances despite the setback in Dallas.
