Stars Defeat Flames in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Dallas Stars defeated the Calgary Flames in Game 4 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Flames won Game 3 with a score of 2-0. Here is the recap of Game 4 between the Stars and Flames.

Scratches

Calgary: Buddy Robinson, Artyom Zagidulin, Michael Stone, Zac Rinaldo, Austin Czarnik, Byron Forese, Jon Gillies, Oliver Kylington, Alexander Yelesin, Matthew Tkachuk, Mark Jankowski

Dallas: Jake Oettinger, Joel Hanley, Stephen Johns, Gavin Bayreuther, Thomas Harley, Jason Robertson, Nick Caamano, Ty Dellandrea, Joel Kiviranta, Landon Bow, Justin Dowling, Ben Bishop

1st Period

It was a back and forth period with the momentum shifting on both sides. But, it would be the Flames that outshot the Stars 14-11. However, the Stars would ultimately win this period scoring the game’s first goal for the first time this series. Stars forward Joe Pavelski scored the goal on a Stars’ power play with 1:49 left in the period.

Dallas went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.

2nd Period

This period featured a barrage of goals from both teams. They combined for five goals with Calgary scoring three of them. The Flames started off the scoring with an early goal from forward Johnny Gaudreau on a power play. Pavelski then scored 1:20 after Gaudreau’s power play goal to retake the one goal Stars’ lead. But, Flames forward Sam Bennett answered right back 43 seconds to tie the game and scored again 11:07 later to give the Flames a one goal lead. However, Stars forward Denis Gurianov would get the last word tying the game 36 seconds before the end of the period.

The game was tied at three heading into the third period.

3rd Period

There were two goals scored in this period. One was an early goal and one was a late goal. Flames forward Tobias Rieder scored shorthanded 3:11 into the period giving the Flames a one goal lead. However, it would be the Stars who took control of this period including the latter stages of the period. Stars forward Jason Dickinson scored with 2:29 left in the period but it would be overturned due to goaltender interference from forward Corey Perry. But, Pavelski scored again to tie the game with 11.9 seconds left in the period. This goal would be Pavelski’s first career postseason hat trick and what a way to get it.

The game was tied at four heading into overtime.

Overtime

It was all Dallas this period. They outscored the Flames 12-5 and got the game winning goal. Stars defenseman John Klingberg had a chance to win it with 4:07 left but it hit the crossbar. However, the Stars retained possession and the puck found its way back to Klingberg. Klingberg shot from the blue line and forward Alexander Radulov tipped the puck into the net to win the game.

Dallas won the game 5-4 and tied the series 2-2.

Three Stars of the Game

Third Star: John Klingberg

Second Star: Sam Bennett

First Star: Joe Pavelski

What a game this was. The only problem that both sides didn’t do effectively during this game was defense. Both teams combined for 102 shots on goal with Dallas having 62 and Calgary having 40. However, both teams looked really good on their power play. They both scored two power play goals each which is one of the reasons why the game was kept close.

But, for Calgary, they need to stay out of the box in Game 5 if they don’t want to give Dallas more scoring chances. Calgary had 14 penalty minutes this game which may have cost them this game if we’re being honest.

Game 5 should be an interesting one given what this game presented to both teams. Dallas could win Game 5 if they keep getting the puck to the net the way they did in this game. But, Calgary could win this game if they keep excelling on special teams and playing a more solidified defensive game.

Game 5 of the Stars-Flames series is on Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. EST.