Stars Shutout by Jets

The Winnipeg Jets delivered a commanding performance on Thursday night, defeating the Dallas Stars 4-0 at the American Airlines Center. The victory not only extended Winnipeg’s lead in the Central Division but also marked their third shutout win over Dallas this season.

Hellebuyck Shines in Net

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was the star of the night, stopping all 24 shots he faced to secure his sixth shutout of the season. His steady presence between the pipes frustrated a Dallas offense that has now gone winless in four straight games (0-2-2). Hellebuyck’s performance highlighted Winnipeg’s defensive dominance, as they limited Dallas to low-danger scoring opportunities throughout the game.

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle Connor’s Career Night

Winnipeg forward Kyle Connor continued his stellar season, scoring twice in the third period to reach a career-high 94 points (40 goals, 54 assists). His first goal came on a breakaway at 6:20 after a turnover by Dallas forward Oskar Back. Just over two minutes later, Connor struck again with a precision shot from the right face-off circle, assisted by Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Josh Morrissey.

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Cast Steps Up

The Jets’ scoring started late in the first period when Nino Niederreiter tipped in a point shot from Morrissey at 18:37. Early in the second period, Morgan Barron extended the lead to 2-0 with a highlight-reel goal, skating past Dallas defenseman Lian Bichsel before beating Jake Oettinger stick-side. Morrissey finished with two assists, further solidifying his role as an offensive catalyst from the blue line.

Struggles Continue for Dallas

For the Stars, it was another frustrating outing. Despite Jake Oettinger making 31 saves on 35 shots, defensive lapses and turnovers proved costly. The team’s offense struggled to generate sustained pressure, with top scorers Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz held off the scoresheet. The loss leaves Dallas six points behind Winnipeg in the Central Division standings with just three games remaining.

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Play and Penalties

The game also featured some physical moments, including a fight between Nikolaj Ehlers and Sam Steel in the third period. However, neither team capitalized on limited power-play opportunities.

Postgame Reactions

Jets head coach Rick Bowness praised his team’s effort: “We played a complete game tonight—strong defense, timely scoring, and outstanding goaltending. That’s what it takes to win this time of year.” Meanwhile, Stars head coach Peter DeBoer lamented his team’s struggles: “We need to find our game quickly. These last few losses have been tough, but we still have time to turn it around.”

Looking Ahead

The Jets (54-21-4) will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their final stretch of games before the playoffs. The Stars (50-23-6), now battling for home-ice advantage in the first round, will aim to snap their losing streak and regain confidence heading into postseason play.

Winnipeg’s dominance over Dallas this season—outscoring them 16-1 across four matchups—underscores their status as a top contender in the Western Conference. For Dallas, Thursday’s loss serves as a wake-up call with playoff intensity looming just around the corner.