Tuesday`s Stanley Cup playoffs schedule is lighter, featuring only one game on the calendar.
The spotlight is on Dallas as the Stars host the Winnipeg Jets for Game 4, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (broadcast on ESPN). This contest is pivotal in their series, which will determine the Central Division`s representative in the Western Conference Final. The Stars currently lead the series 2-1.
This article offers a preview of the upcoming game, featuring statistical insights, a recap of Monday`s playoff action, and a look at the “Three Stars” from those games.
Matchup Notes
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars | Game 4 | 8 p.m. ET
According to betting odds, the Stars are favored to win the series (-340), while the Jets face longer odds (+270). Dallas is also currently the overall favorite to lift the Stanley Cup (+325), with Winnipeg at +1500.
Winnipeg forward Kyle Connor has registered 13 points in 10 playoff games, placing him fifth in Thrashers/Jets 2.0 franchise history for single-postseason scoring. He trails four players from the 2018 run: Blake Wheeler (21), Mark Scheifele (20), Dustin Byfuglien (16), and Paul Stastny (15).
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck`s notable home and road splits persist this postseason. At home, he boasts a 5-1 record with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Conversely, on the road, his record is 0-4 with a significantly higher 6.63 GAA and a .772 SV%.
Mikko Rantanen has been dominant, becoming the first player in NHL history with five three-point games within his first 10 games of a single postseason. His career playoff points-per-game average (1.31) ranks sixth all-time, trailing only Wayne Gretzky (1.84), Mario Lemieux (1.61), Connor McDavid (1.60), Leon Draisaitl (1.48), and Nathan MacKinnon (1.32).
A win for Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger would break a tie with Tim Thomas and Ben Bishop, placing him sixth all-time in playoff victories among American-born netminders.
Monday`s Three Stars
- Stuart Skinner (G, Edmonton Oilers): Secured his second career postseason shutout by stopping 23 shots, joining an exclusive list of Oilers goalies with multiple playoff clean sheets.
- Adam Henrique (C, Edmonton Oilers): Registered the second multi-goal playoff performance of his career, including two goals in the first period, following Corey Perry`s similar effort in Game 3.
- Sean Walker (D, Carolina Hurricanes): Tallied two points, including his first career playoff goal in his 22nd postseason appearance. His late goal notably clinched the “over” for total goals in the game according to betting lines.
Monday`s Recaps
Carolina Hurricanes 5, Washington Capitals 2 | CAR leads series 3-1 | Game 5 Thursday
The Hurricanes maintained their dominance from Game 3, establishing a 2-0 lead through two periods. Washington broke through in the third, but Carolina quickly responded. Despite the Capitals narrowing the lead to one, the Hurricanes scored two late goals to secure the 5-2 victory, giving them a dominant 3-1 series lead as they head to Washington for Game 5.
Edmonton Oilers 3, Vegas Golden Knights 0 | EDM leads series 3-1 | Game 5 Wednesday
Adam Henrique opened the scoring with two goals in the first period, setting the pace for the Oilers. Evander Kane added an insurance goal in the second. Stuart Skinner was perfect in net, stopping all 23 Golden Knights shots for the shutout. The 3-0 win puts Edmonton within one game of the Western Conference Final, pushing Vegas to the brink of elimination.
