In Dallas, the Stars kept pace with the Nashville Predators on Monday night, in a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in over time.
Jamie Benn potted the game-winner in the extra session.
“[Benn] loves these situations where he can put the team on his back and say, let’s go,” Dallas head coach Rick Bowness said of the Stars captain. “He’s been doing that for a long time this season. The biggest thing is his skating and his compete level. He’s not going to be denied.”
Despite the loss, the Canes clinched a playoff spot with the loser’s point.
“We dug in, got us a point, got us in (the playoffs),” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We’re not satisfied. We’re getting better, but we’ve got one goal in mind. We’re all on that same page.”
Jake Oettinger made 29 saves. to earn the win.
“He’s (Benn) a guy you want out there when the game is on the line,” Oettinger said. “He wants to win more than anyone, and he wants to lead this team into the playoffs.”
Carolina needed a late goal from Jani Hakanpaa to get the game to the extra session.
“It’s always fun to get one in the back of the net,” Hakanpaa said. “I can tell the boys wanted to get those two points, but I guess it’s really nice to get that playoff spot.”
Joe Pavelski and Esa Lindell gave the Stars a 2-0 lead in the first period.
“The puck just slipped below the goal line a little bit,” Pavelski said, “so I was just trying to get it back there for a bank, and I got it.”
Max McCormick, Jaccob Slavin replied for Carolina to knot the game at 2-2, in the second period.
“We’ve been skating a lot and staying in good shape and trying to stay ready when your opportunity comes,” McCormick said. “So that one felt pretty good.”
Dallas had their own reply when Denis Gurianov put the Stars ahead, 3-2, before the end of the middle frame.
James Reimer made 27 saves in the loss.
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