On This Day: Paul Cavallini Scores Historic OT Winner, Darcy Wakaluk Shines in 44-Save Gem in Playoff Win Over Blues

On this day in 1994, Paul Cavallini scored his memorable overtime-winning goal to lift the Dallas Stars to a 5–4 win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series. Dallas goaltender Darcy Wakaluk was outstanding in net, making 44 saves as Dallas took control of the series.

That 1993–94 season was the first for the franchise after relocating from Minnesota. The Stars were still building their identity in Dallas, but under coach Bob Gainey they quickly became a structured, defense-first team built on discipline, physical play, and strong goaltending.

Dallas went on to win the series in a 4-0 sweep and advance to the second round, continuing their early playoff run in the franchise’s first season in Texas. The Stars would go on to be eliminated in the second round in five games versus the Vancouver Canucks. The 1994 Stanley Cup was ultimately won by the New York Rangers, who ended a 54-year championship drought led by Mark Messier and a veteran core.