The Dallas Stars secured the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2016 after a thrilling victory over the St. Louis Blues. The game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, leading to a shootout where Jason Robertson's goal and Jake Oettinger's stellar performance in goal sealed a 2-1 win for the Stars.
With this victory, the Central Division champions finished the regular season with an impressive 113 points, marking their highest point total since the 1998-99 season when they set a franchise record of 114 points en route to winning the Stanley Cup.
Having clinched the top seed, fans erupted in cheers in the final moments of regulation, knowing that Dallas had secured the coveted position in the Western Conference playoffs.
The Stars will now await the outcome of the final regular-season games to determine their first-round playoff opponent. They are set to face either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Los Angeles Kings, both of whom are vying for the third spot in the Pacific Division.
Whichever team finishes third in the Pacific Division will face the Stars in the opening round of the playoffs. The Golden Knights and the Kings will play their last regular-season games to determine their final seeding.
Notably, the Golden Knights were the team that ended the Stars' playoff run last season in the Western Conference Final with a Game 6 victory. Dallas will be looking to avenge that defeat as they gear up for the upcoming playoff series.
With the top seed secured, the Dallas Stars are poised for a strong playoff run and will be aiming to replicate their past success as they chase another Stanley Cup title.
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