SPORTS

Johnston's Double-Overtime Goal Gives Stars 2-1 Series Lead

PUBLISHED Apr 23, 2026, 2:40 AM ET

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Early Thursday, Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving the Dallas Stars a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 and putting Dallas ahead 2-1 in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. The goal followed extended overtime play after a late third-period power-play equalizer from Matt Duchene. Minnesota had rallied from a 2-0 deficit with goals by Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek and Michael McCarron but failed to convert multiple third-period and overtime power plays, finishing 1-for-7; that shortcoming proved decisive. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, with Dallas holding the series advantage and Minnesota needing adjustments on special teams.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Jason Robertson scored in the first period to give Dallas an early 2-0 lead.
Marcus Johansson, Joel Eriksson Ek and Michael McCarron rallied to put Minnesota ahead 3-2.
Matt Duchene's backcheck prevented a short-handed goal and he tied the game on a power play in the third period.
Minnesota had multiple power plays in the third and overtime but failed to convert, finishing 1-for-7 overall.
At 12:10 of the second overtime, Wyatt Johnston deflected Nils Lundkvist's shot for a 4-3 Stars victory, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.

News Intelligence

If you're a hockey fan, this game was a nail-biter. The Stars' victory shows the importance of power-play efficiency. For young players, it's a lesson in persistence and strategy. If you're a Minnesota supporter, it's time to rally behind your team.

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Who Benefited

The Dallas Stars benefited from Wyatt Johnston's double-overtime deflection that secured a 4-3 Game 3 victory and a 2-1 lead in the first-round series, providing momentum and home-ice pressure advantage heading into Game 4.

Who Impacted

The Minnesota Wild suffered from multiple failed power-play opportunities (finishing 1-for-7 overall), missed chances in the third period and overtime, and now face increased elimination risk trailing 2-1 in the series.

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