Well, that “U.S. backup” has Dallas on the verge of its third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final. Oettinger mostly has outplayed Hellebuyck throughout these NHL playoffs and in the second-round Western Conference series that the Stars lead 3-1 over the top-seeded Jets.

When all-star winger Mikko Rantanen was traded early this season, it reordered the league. When he was traded again, it shook up the entire postseason.

The Oilers, who last season made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final before losing in seven games to Florida, will play Dallas or Winnipeg in the next round. The Stars, who lead 3-1, will go for the series win Thursday night.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are each one win away from winning their second-round series and moving on to the conference finals.

Dallas has found ways to not only survive, but thrive while shorthanded against some of the NHL’s best power plays, and it’s creating a surge of momentum

The reveal of the 2025 international slate suggests a Mexico trip may be coming next year; the Cowboys support the NHL's Stars in Game 4.