Game 6 between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets was filled with high drama and intense emotion. It featured spectacular hockey, powerful shots, incredible saves, and highlighted the gut-wrenching decision of a player who took the ice just hours after learning of his father`s death.
Winnipeg center and alternate captain Mark Scheifele received the news of his father`s unexpected passing before Saturday`s morning skate. Despite facing elimination in the playoffs, Scheifele chose to play in what turned out to be a classic battle, ending in a hard-fought 2-1 overtime loss for the Jets.
With this victory, the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year. For the Jets, their elimination meant the continuation of a peculiar trend: the team with the best regular-season record (Presidents` Trophy winner) has not won the Stanley Cup in many years. This streak now extends, making the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks the last team to achieve this feat.
As another night of NHL playoff action concludes, we shine a light on the standout performers with our selection of the `3 Stars of the Night`.
3 Stars of the Night
3. Connor Hellebuyck | G | Jets
It speaks to the exceptional quality of the game when a goaltender stops 18 out of 20 shots, making saves with the acrobatic flair of a Cirque du Soleil performer, and is only named the third star. Hellebuyck`s performance almost single-handedly kept the Jets in contention, pushing to force a potential Game 7. His skate save on Mikko Rantanen was particularly remarkable.
Hellebuyck played more than well enough to earn a win in this memorable Game 6, but unfortunately for him, the goaltender at the other end of the rink was just slightly better on this night.
2. Jake Oettinger | G | Stars
There are good saves, great saves, and then there are game-defining saves like the one Jake Oettinger made. With the game tied 1-1 in the third period and the outcome hanging precariously in the balance, Oettinger lunged across his crease to miraculously deny Mason Appleton, who seemed to have an empty net before him. With roughly 8:35 left in regulation, Oettinger delivered a moment of brilliance for Stars fans while leaving Jets fans with a play to lament all summer.
1. Mark Scheifele | C | Jets
He wasn`t on the winning team, and yes, he committed a tripping penalty late in the third period that directly led to the power-play goal in overtime. However, if you cannot appreciate the profound significance of what Mark Scheifele did on Saturday night, you`re missing the true essence of the moment. After learning of his father Brad`s passing the previous night, Scheifele made the courageous 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 his father`s death became public, reports emerged, like from the Dallas Morning News, that some Stars fans began encouraging fellow supporters to donate $55 – Scheifele`s jersey number – to charities supported by the Scheifele family. Following the game, during the traditional handshake line, several Stars players shared lengthy conversations and embraces with Scheifele, a poignant scene underscored by the arena`s PA system playing Metallica`s `Nothing Else Matters`. His resilience and courage in the face of personal tragedy transcended the game itself.
