Dallas was the best team in the Western Conference in the regular season, but in the first round they got an unpopular opponent from Vegas, with whom they lost four times in a row before the start of the series. The Stars confirmed their unflattering record in the first two games, but then broke the streak and finally slipped into the conference semifinals.
The only Czech in the Stars lineup had a significant share in the key 2:1 win. Faksa surprised goalkeeper Adin Hill with a backhand in the opening minute of the third period, and his goal proved to be the winner after the final siren. The Czech striker returned to the lineup after a four-game break caused by injury and managed four hits in 10 and a half minutes in addition to the winning goal.
For another Czech hockey player, Tomáš Hertl from Vegas, the defeat means the end of playing for the Stanley Cup.
After rolling past the New York Islanders in the second round of the playoffs, Carolina ran into New York’s No. 2 team and entered the series with the best team in the regular season with a loss.
Despite a goal by Martin Nečas, the Hurricanes lost to the Rangers 3:4 and lost the second game in the ongoing elimination battles. Thanks to Mika Zibanejad’s three points, the Rangers remain 100 percent even after five played playoff duels. Faksa returned to the Dallas lineup after an injury and scored the first hit in this year’s playoffs.
| NHL Playoff Round 1: |
|---|
| Western Conference – Game 7: |
| Dallas – Vegas 2:1 (1:0, 0:1, 1:0) |
| Goals: 15. W. Johnston, 41. FAX – 36. Howden. Shots on goal: 24:23. Spectators: 19,046. Stars of the match: 1. FAX, 2. Oettinger, 3. W. Johnston (all Dallas). The final state of the series 4:3 |
| 2nd round: |
| Eastern Conference – Game 1: |
| New York Rangers – Carolina 4:3 (3:1, 0:0, 1:2) |
| Goals: 3. and 11. Zibanejad, 17. Trocheck, 49. Panarin – 4. Slavin, 43. NEČAS, 59. Jarvis. Shot on goal: 23:25. Spectators: 18,006. Stars of the game: 1. Zibanejad, 2. Trocheck, 3. Kreider (all New York Rangers). Series status 1:0 |
