Hatz for Hintz as Stars Prevail in OT Against Chicago

(Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News)

Dallas found a way to avoid losing a two-goal lead and its game against Chicago.

The Dallas Stars defeated to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in overtime at American Airlines Center in Dallas. With the win, Dallas improved to 21-9-4. The Stars picked up their fifth win in overtime this season and remain one point behind the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division.

After trailing 2-0 less than 11 minutes into the game, Roope Hintz scored a powerplay goal to cut the Blackhawks lead to 2-1 heading into the first intermission. Hintz would score again in the second period as Dallas took a 3-2 lead heading into the second intermission.

After Jamie Benn scored 2:10 into the third period to make it 4-2, Chicago dominated the rest of the period. The Blackhawks recorded 16 shots on goal and scored two goals on Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood. Tonight was the sixth game in a row for Wedgewood starting in goal for the injured Jake Oettinger. Wedgewood finished with 25 saves.

Tyler Johnson scored a powerplay goal for Chicago at four with 2:36 remaining in regulation to tie the game. Overtime was then needed for the fourth time in six games for Dallas.

With under 10 seconds left in overtime, Hintz finished scored the hat trick goal in overtime to seal the game for the Stars. Hintz now has 14 goals on the season for Dallas.

2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard of the Hawks was held pointless against Dallas. The rookie was recorded no points for the first time in five games. Bedard finished with a -3 rating and lost 11-of-13 his faceoffs.

Jason Robertson finished with two assists; both Benn and Joe Pavelski finished with a goal and an assist.

The Stars and Blackhawks will meet again on Sunday night for Dallas’ annual New Year’s Eve game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center.

(Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News)