Harley Scores Late as Stars Beat Blue Jackets 3-1

Late-Game Deficits and Penalty Kill Streaks in Dallas

Thomas Harley broke open a tight defensive battle with a wrist shot into a tiny sliver of space with just 0.2 seconds remaining in the first period, sending the Dallas Stars toward a 3-1 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. The win snapped a two-game losing skid for Dallas and capped a six-game homestand with a 4-2-0 record.

The Stars leaned on steady goaltending from Jake Oettinger, who turned away 25 of 26 shots. Oettinger rebounded cleanly after giving up seven goals across his previous two appearances, holding firm against a Columbus squad finishing up a three-game road trip.

Mikko Rantanen Scores Opening Power-Play Goal

Mikko Rantanen opened the scoring for Dallas at 2:16 of the first period, burying a cross-crease backhand pass from Wyatt Johnston during a power play. The man-advantage opportunity came after Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves was whistled for a delay of game penalty. Rantanen’s tally marked his team-leading seventh goal of the season.

Dallas also maintained its defensive discipline, killing off the game’s sole Columbus power play. That successful penalty kill extended a streak to 28 successful kills dating back to October 13.

Columbus answered in the third period when defenseman Damon Severson scored at 6:21. That goal came shortly after the Stars successfully challenged an earlier Jackets score by Valeri Nichushkin for being offside. Greaves finished the night with 14 saves for Columbus.

Ivan Provorov Returns in Season Debut

The matchup featured the season debut of Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov, who returned to the ice after landing on injured reserve on October 1. Columbus deployed a lineup featuring 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

With the homestand concluded, the Stars will hit the road to visit Washington on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets return home to host Colorado on Tuesday before the two teams meet again next Thursday in Columbus.

More on this story: Hellebuyck Wins Debut as Devils Beat Stars 5-1 · Kraken Edge Maple Leafs to Continue Strong Start to Season

More on Scores: Nico Hischier Scores Twice as Devils Defeat Dallas 5-1 · Highmore Scores Overtime Winner as Hamilton Hammers Beat Hartford Wolf Pack 5-4