DALLAS — Imagine the crowd’s roar as Thomas Harley, the 22-year-old defenseman for the Dallas Stars, blazes across the ice, all the way to the right circle, and unleashes a shot that would seal the deal. That’s exactly what happened on a thrilling Thursday night when Harley scored just 38 seconds into overtime, clinching a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. His 10th goal of the season wasn’t just any goal; it was his second OT winner, making him the only NHL defenseman with multiple after-regulation goals this season. ‘Just kept skating,’ Harley said, reflecting the simplicity and focus of his game-winning strategy.
Silfverberg scored and assisted for Anaheim, while Lundestrom provided two assists. Duchene netted his 16th goal for the Stars, giving them a 1-0 lead just 2:22 into the game. The Ducks leveled the score at 1-1 at 15:10 of the first period when Vaakanainen scored his first career goal. Terry gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead at 1:28 of the second period. Smith equalized for the Stars at 6:44 of the second period. The Ducks regained the lead just 12 seconds into the third period with Silfverberg’s fifth goal. The Stars tied it again at 10:31 of the final period when Heiskanen scored.
Dallas coach Pete DeBoer couldn’t contain his admiration, saying, ‘He’s been great all year like that, his ability to skate. I think he blew by everybody on the ice there from goal line to goal line. So, pretty impressive for a young defenseman to skate like that.’ Indeed, Harley’s performance was a testament to his speed and skill, a combination that’s becoming his signature on the ice.
The game was a rollercoaster, with the Stars and Ducks exchanging leads. Anaheim had go-ahead goals early in both the second and third periods, but the Stars were relentless in their pursuit, eventually leveling the score each time. Miro Heiskanen, returning from a lower-body injury, tied the game midway through the third period, marking a successful comeback with his fifth goal of the season. ‘A little rusty after three weeks, but I felt all right,’ Heiskanen commented on his return.
The Stars’ victory continued their dominance at the American Airlines Center against Anaheim, matching their longest active home streak against any team with their 11th consecutive win since October 2015. Ducks goalie John Gibson, despite stopping 40 shots in regulation, couldn’t fend off Harley’s decisive wrister in overtime. ‘I feel like every time we play him, he gives them a chance to win,’ DeBoer said, acknowledging Gibson’s formidable presence in the net.
Jake Oettinger, the Stars’ goalie, had a quieter night but was solid when it counted, making 21 saves. The Stars’ offense was on full display, with 44 shots on goal to the Ducks’ 21, a testament to their aggressive playstyle and determination to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
Craig Smith’s goal for Dallas was a highlight, coming from a wild sequence where the puck, initially saved by Gibson, was eventually knocked in, a decision confirmed by video replay. Matt Duchene’s early goal set the tone for the Stars, while Tyler Seguin’s assist on that goal moved him up to fifth place on the franchise’s all-time points list.
The Ducks, despite the loss, showed flashes of brilliance. Troy Terry and Jakob Silfverberg scored, with Silfverberg also adding an assist. Urho Vaakanainen’s first career goal was a milestone, albeit in a losing effort.
As the Stars look ahead to hosting Washington before the All-Star break, and the Ducks set their sights on Minnesota, fans are left with the memory of Harley’s exhilarating rush and the shot that lit up the night. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love the game, and why stars like Thomas Harley shine so bright on the ice.
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Thomas Harley scores in OT as Stars edge Ducks
Thomas Harley scores in OT as Stars edge Ducks
