The Dallas Stars’ seven-game win streak came to an abrupt end Saturday as the Pittsburgh Penguins emerged victorious with a 5-3 win at American Airlines Center.
Sidney Crosby led the Penguins with a hat trick, helping spoil the Stars’ momentum and dealing a blow to Dallas’ push for the Central Division title.
Crosby’s four-point performance, including an empty-net goal late in the game, secured Pittsburgh’s first win in its last five matchups against Dallas.
Crosby registered his 14th career hat trick and extended his point streak to 12 games.
His performance was pivotal in maintaining Pittsburgh’s surge, with the Penguins rallying late to overcome a determined Stars squad.
Crosby’s empty-net goal sealed the win and further cemented his legacy in NHL history.
Despite a strong offensive effort from Evgenii Dadonov, who scored a hat trick for Dallas, the Stars could not keep pace with the Penguins in the final minutes.
Dadonov’s three goals were not enough to counter Crosby’s dominance and Pittsburgh’s defensive efforts.
The game took a dramatic turn when Blake Lizotte scored the go-ahead goal for the Penguins with just 1:43 remaining in regulation.
The Stars were unable to answer in the closing moments, and Crosby’s empty-net goal sealed the victory.
Though the loss was disappointing for the Stars, it does not impact their playoff standing.
Dallas, now with a record of 50-22-4, has already clinched a spot in the postseason.
However, the defeat leaves them four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the Central Division lead, keeping the race for the top seed in the Western Conference tight.
With the loss, Dallas will need to regroup quickly as it pushes for home-ice advantage in the first round.
For Pittsburgh, the win keeps its hopes for a playoff berth alive as it continues to battle for positioning in the Eastern Conference.
With only a few games left before the regular season ends, both teams will be looking to finish strong.
The Stars will next face the Minnesota Wild on April 6, with the Penguins taking on the Montreal Canadiens on April 7.
The final stretch of the season promises to bring more excitement as both teams gear up for the postseason.