The Dallas Stars opened the 2023 NHL playoffs on Monday night, while the Texas Rangers took on the Kansas City Royals.
Here is what happened on the ice, on the field, and behind the scenes.
NHL
Dallas Stars (trail series 0-1)
Last Game: Minnesota Wild 3, Stars 2 (double overtime)
The Stars dropped their playoff opener against the Wild in double overtime. Dallas took a 2-1 lead with goals from Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson in the second period, but Minnesota tied the game on a Sam Steel breakaway before the period ended. Both goalies made incredible saves as the game drew on, but Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman got the puck on a bounce off the boards right in front of the Dallas net and beat Jake Oettinger high to the glove side for the game-winner.
Noteworthy: Stars forward Joe Pavelski left the game after taking a big hit from Minnesota defenseman Matt Dumba, causing a skirmish between other players. Pavelski was helped off the ice and did not return, while Dumba was given a two-minute penalty.
— Jamie Benn passed Dino Ciccarelli for the seventh-most playoff points in team history.
— Oettinger made 52 saves in the loss.
Next Up: Wild at Stars, Game 2, 8:30 p.m. CT Wednesday
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MLB
Texas Rangers (10-6, first in American League West)
Last Game: Rangers 4, Kansas City Royals 0
Josh Jung’s three-run home run in the first and Marcus Semien’s solo shot in the third accounted for all the Rangers’ offense. Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom held the Royals hitless through four innings but exited with an injury. Dane Dunning and Jose LeClerc came in in relief and allowed just one hit over the final five innings as the Rangers picked up their 10th win of the season.
Noteworthy: The Rangers said deGrom was removed as a precaution due to wrist soreness and will continue to be evaluated.
— Texas is off to its best start since 2016 when it also began the season 10-6.
— The Rangers are 2-2 against the Royals this season, with two more games against Kansas City remaining.
— Semien has now homered in two consecutive games, while Jung is now hitting .288 with three home runs in his first official big league season.
— Nathaniel Lowe’s 11-game hitting streak ended with an 0-4 performance on Monday.
Next Up: Rangers at Royals, 6:40 p.m. CT Tuesday.