The Dallas Stars defeated the Las Vegas Golden Knights Monday night in Game 4 of the first round in the NHL Playoffs, tying the teams 2-2 as the series heads back to Dallas for Game 5.
The game started in physical fashion as the two teams focused on defense and making contact with the opponent to the tune of 32 total hits.
Vegas had the first power play of the game after Stars center Ty Dellandrea received a two-minute penalty for high sticking, with Knights right wing Jonathan Marchessault being penalized for cross-checking.
However, neither team capitalized on the opportunity, as the Stars were unable to take a single shot on goal during their power play.
Vegas struck first as right-wing Michael Amadio chipped the puck over the arm of Stars goalie Jake Oettinger off an assist from center Brett Howden and defenseman Brayden McNabb, putting the Knights up 1-0 with 5:35 left in the first period.
This lead did not last for long as Stars center Evgenii Dadonov tied the game up with a shot in the top corner of the goal off the assist from Ryan Suter.
The two teams went into the intermission tied 1-1, but Vegas quickly took the lead again at the start of the second period.
Knights center Jack Eichel snuck a goal in past Oettinger off a rebound with 16:51 remaining in the second period.
Shortly after the goal, with 11:26 remaining in the period, Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo received a two-minute penalty for roughing to give Dallas a power play.
Stars center Wyatt Johnson quickly capitalized on the advantage as he scored his third goal of the series off an assist from centers Tyler Seguin and Matt Duchene to tie the game back up.
Dallas took the lead after Dellandrea scored a tough goal off an assist from centers Craig Smith and Sam Steel with 1:26 remaining, giving the team a 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
The physical play continued throughout the third period, with the two teams tied until Stars center Roope Hintz scooped up the puck and sent it down for an empty net goal with just 1:22 left in the game.
This final goal gave the Stars a 4-2 win once regulation ended as the two teams head back to Dallas with the series tied 2-2.
Oettinger had an impressive game by giving up just two goals despite Vegas taking 34 shots on goal.
The two teams will match up for Game 5 on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center, where the Stars will attempt to take a 3-2 series lead heading back to Las Vegas.
