Thu May 22 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Stars Overcome Jets in Overtime, Advance to Western Conference Finals

**DALLAS -** Thomas Harley played hero Saturday night, scoring on a power play just 1:33 into overtime to propel the Dallas Stars to a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6 of their second-round series. The win sends the Stars to their third consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance.

The game was a hard-fought battle, with Sam Steel opening the scoring for Dallas and Mark Scheifele answering for Winnipeg. Scheifele’s goal came hours after the tragic passing of his father, adding an emotional layer to the contest. However, the Jets forward also drew a crucial tripping penalty with just 14.8 seconds remaining in regulation, providing Dallas with the man advantage that ultimately led to Harley’s game-winning goal.

“Not surprising to the guys in here,” Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger said of Harley’s performance. “We’re very lucky.”

Oettinger was stellar in net, making 22 saves, including a remarkable diving stop late in the third period to deny Mason Appleton. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 18 shots but was unable to prevent the Stars from clinching the series.

The loss marks another early exit for the NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, as the Jets struggled on the road throughout the postseason. “I’m just disappointed,” Jets captain Adam Lowry said. “We couldn’t get that [penalty] kill for [the fans] and get it back to win in Winnipeg for Game 7. But you know, [I’m] really proud of this group… It just came up short.”

Stars coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged Scheifele’s courage in playing despite his personal tragedy. “What the Jets star forward did in playing Saturday was courageous,” he said, “I’m sure his dad would’ve been really proud of him.”

The Stars now face the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals, a rematch of last year’s second-round series won by the Oilers in six games. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday in Dallas. The Stars will be looking to overcome their past struggles in the conference finals and take the next step towards their second Stanley Cup title. “I think we’ve got something special going on,” DeBoer said. “We’ve been to this spot the last two years and haven’t taken the next step, so that’s the challenge.”

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