The emotionally charged and dramatic Game 6 between the home team, the Dallas Stars, and the Winnipeg Jets showcased incredible hockey action, including powerful shots and spectacular saves. However, it was also defined by a deeply difficult personal decision made by a player who stepped onto the ice merely hours after receiving news of his father`s passing.
Winnipeg`s center, Mark Scheifele, learned of his father Brad`s unexpected death before the Saturday morning skate. With the Jets facing elimination from the playoffs, the alternate captain courageously chose to play in the game, which ultimately resulted in a hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss for Winnipeg.
The victory propelled the Stars into the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year. For the Jets, their loss continues the perceived “Presidents` Trophy curse” – whether one believes in it or not. Remarkably, it will now be at least 12 seasons since the team finishing the regular season with the best record also won the Stanley Cup. The last team to achieve this was the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks.
Following another memorable night in the NHL playoffs, let`s shine a spotlight on the standout performers recognized as our 3 Stars of the Night.
3. Connor Hellebuyck | G | Jets
It`s a testament to the extraordinary nature of the game when a goaltender makes 18 saves on 20 shots, pulling off acrobatic stops reminiscent of a Cirque du Soleil performer, yet is only named the third star. Hellebuyck`s efforts were pivotal, almost single-handedly keeping the Jets` hopes alive for a potential Game 7. His remarkable skate save on Mikko Rantanen was particularly stunning.
Hellebuyck`s performance was more than sufficient to win this classic Game 6 matchup, but unfortunately for him, the netminder at the opposite end of the rink was just slightly better on the night.
2. Jake Oettinger | G | Stars
There are good saves, great saves, and then there`s whatever describes this one. With the game tied 1-1 in the third period and carrying the tension of a sudden-death scenario, Oettinger lunged across his crease with incredible speed to somehow rob Mason Appleton, who appeared to have an open net. With roughly 8:35 left in regulation time, Oettinger delivered a truly spectacular save, providing Stars fans with a highlight and leaving Jets supporters with a play to ponder throughout the summer break.
1. Mark Scheifele | C | Jets
He wasn`t on the winning side, and yes, he was assessed a tripping penalty in the final seconds of the third period that directly led to the power-play goal in overtime that ended the game. However, to not appreciate what Mark Scheifele demonstrated for his team on Saturday night is to miss the larger story. After learning of his father Brad`s passing the night before, Scheifele made the difficult decision to play, stating it was what his father would have wanted. He went on to score the Jets` only goal of the game.
Once the news of Scheifele`s loss became public, reports from the Dallas Morning News indicated that some Stars fans encouraged fellow supporters to donate $55 – matching Scheifele`s jersey number – to various charities supported by his family. Following the game, during the traditional handshake line, several Stars players shared lengthy conversations and embraces with Scheifele, while the arena`s sound system fittingly played Metallica`s `Nothing Else Matters.`
Elton Marrow