Dallas Stars Face Playoff Rival Vegas Golden Knights in High-Stakes Showdown

The Dallas Stars wrap up a three-game Western road trip on Friday night as they face the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights. This matchup marks their first meeting since last spring’s dramatic first-round playoff series, in which Dallas rallied from a 2-0 deficit to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions in seven games.

“Last two years, it’s been tough games and big rivalries,” Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist said. “It’s an exciting place to play.”

Both teams enter the game with something to prove, making this a highly anticipated battle.

Dallas Looks to Regain Momentum After Tough Loss

The Stars split the first two games of their road trip, securing a 2-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City before a frustrating 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. In the latter, Dallas squandered a 2-0 first-period lead as the Kings mounted a comeback.

Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment, who now has five goals in six games, gave Dallas an early edge, but the Kings rallied with two goals in the second period. Warren Foegele sealed the game for Los Angeles with a wraparound goal early in the third.

“Up two, it’s definitely a really good opportunity to win,” Johnston said. “Didn’t do a good enough job to keep playing and keep our pedal to the metal.”

Despite the loss, head coach Peter DeBoer remained optimistic about his team’s performance.

“They played better in the second period, but the shots were 7-7, and we hit a post or crossbar,” DeBoer said. “I think they were opportunistic … going into the third, it’s an even game.”

The Stars sit third in the Central Division and will look to improve on their 6-7-0 road record in this crucial matchup.

Vegas Riding High After Resurgent Wins

After suffering the most lopsided home loss in franchise history—a 6-0 defeat to Utah—the Golden Knights bounced back with two strong wins. Vegas blanked Edmonton 1-0 on Tuesday behind Adin Hill’s 28-save shutout and followed up with a 4-1 victory over Anaheim on Wednesday.

Shea Theodore led the way against Anaheim with two goals, while Ilya Samsonov stopped 19 of 20 shots.

“It’s that part of the season that games are tight, and these points are crucial,” Theodore said. “You want to kind of bank them when you can. Obviously, we feel good about our game and like where it’s at.”

Samsonov, who struggled in the Utah game, has rebounded to post a 6-3-1 record and a 3.16 goals-against average.

“He needed it, right?” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said of Samsonov’s improved performance. “He’s a good pro. You’re going to have games like that or stretches like that … Good for him.”

Key Players to Watch

• Dallas Stars:
  • Wyatt Johnston continues to contribute with timely goals, and Mason Marchment is red hot, tallying five goals in six games. Look for them to play a significant role in Dallas’ attack.
  • Jake Oettinger, the Stars’ star goaltender, will be critical in containing Vegas’ opportunistic offense.
• Vegas Golden Knights:
  • Shea Theodore has been a standout, with two goals in the win over Anaheim, and his defensive play is just as critical as his scoring ability.
  • Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov have both performed admirably in net, giving Vegas a strong presence between the pipes.

Discover detailed insights in NHL Atlantic Division Odds & Predictions.

What’s at Stake?

The Stars aim to close out their road trip with a statement win against a top division rival. A victory would help Dallas keep pace in the tight Central Division standings while also reaffirming their ability to win on the road.

For Vegas, Friday’s game offers a chance to solidify their Pacific Division lead and build momentum ahead of a five-day break before embarking on a challenging three-game road trip.

With a recent playoff history and both teams fighting for key points in the standings, this game promises to deliver intensity, skill, and drama. Fans can expect a thrilling rematch between two of the Western Conference’s elite teams.