Dallas Stars Dominate Maple Leafs as Jake Oettinger Delivers Statement Win

Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports

The Dallas Stars delivered a breaking update in the NHL timeline Sunday night, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 at American Airlines Center behind a composed performance from Jake Oettinger and late offensive separation.

Oettinger stopped 27 shots and anchored Dallas through extended stretches of pressure, particularly during a second period in which Toronto controlled possession and outshot the Stars heavily. Dallas improved to 25-7-5 and extended its winning streak to 4 games, while Toronto fell to 15-15-5 and has now dropped 5 of its last 6.

Dallas struck first late in the opening period when Jason Robertson worked around a defender to collect a loose puck and score from the right face-off circle at 18:30. The goal stood as the only scoring through 2 periods despite Toronto generating 21 shots across the first 40 minutes, including 15 in the second alone.

Oettinger delivered one of the defining moments early, denying Auston Matthews on a breakaway at 8:21 of the first period with a glove save that stabilized the Stars after a shaky start. Toronto continued to create chances through the middle of the ice but could not solve Oettinger during its most productive stretches.

The game turned decisively in the third period. Sam Steel made it 2-0 at 5:03, deflecting a point shot for his second goal in as many games. Scott Laughton briefly pulled Toronto back within one at 8:39 on a 2 on 1 rush, but Dallas answered quickly.

Jamie Benn restored the 2 goal cushion at 12:10 with a deflection in front, shifting the impact firmly back to the Stars. Mavrik Bourque ended a 10 game goal drought with an empty-net goal at 17:55, and Justin Hryckowian added another late tally at 19:43 to close the scoring.

Benn finished with a goal and an assist, while Robertson, Steel, Bourque, and Hryckowian each found the net. Dallas has now outscored opponents 22-8 during its current run and owns the second-fewest regulation losses in the league with 7, reinforcing its position among the Western Conference leaders.

Toronto generated consistent offensive looks but struggled with finish. Dennis Hildeby made 17 saves, and the Maple Leafs defended effectively for long stretches before the game slipped away late. William Nylander was held without a goal for the 11th straight game, with his last coming on Nov. 26, though he continues to generate scoring chances.

From a league-wide perspective, the result underscores Dallas depth and adaptability. The Stars have relied on different drivers during their streak, with goaltending, secondary scoring, and defensive structure each playing a role. For Toronto, the latest loss adds urgency as the schedule tightens and points become harder to recover.

There were no reported medical or roster implications following the game. The next steps see Dallas continue its homestand with momentum firmly on its side, while Toronto looks to reset offensively as it returns from a challenging road stretch.