The Texas Stars, just like Dallas, have made it to the Conference Final, and looked very impressive in a 5-2 win over the Abbotsford Canucks in Game 3 Monday.

The Dallas Stars could have been playing Game 7 in the Western Conference Final Monday night, but that, as we all know, did not go according to plan. Instead, all eyes were on their AHL team for the first home game of the series in Cedar Park.

Abbotsford had taken a 2-0 series lead thanks to a 3-2 overtime win in Game 1 and a 1-0 shutout in Game 2 (although there was a controversial no-goal call that would have tied the game late). But in Game 3, Texas looked like the far superior team and delighted a packed house at the HEB Center.

Two goals from AHL goal scoring leader Matej Blumel and two short-handed goals propelled Texas to a win. It was the first game in the series that Arturs Silovs - known for being a surprise standout in the 2024 NHL playoffs (ironically filling in for an injured Casey DeSmith) - looked beatable. Until then, Silovs had been on another unbelievable playoff run and was a huge reason Abbotsford is in the Conference Final.
There were plenty of Dallas Stars jerseys seen throughout the crowd, looking for more playoff action after an extremely disappointing end to their NHL postseason run. Stars fans had lots to appreciate, too.

Texas played with speed and tenacity throughout, putting a shooting gallery on Silovs in the first period. It was a wild first period, with Texas ahead 3-2 going into the first intermission. After that, it was all Texas on the score sheet with two more goals, and goaltender Remi Poirier made several key saves to keep the Stars ahead.

Even with a three goal lead in the third, Texas did not relent, keeping pressure on and pushing for even more goals. That is something Dallas has not done since before Rick Bowness, and is a huge point of frustration. There have been countless blown leads or close shaves while Dallas skaters have gone into a shell of defend-first mentality.

In fact, the worst example came near the end of the regular season against Abbotsford's NHL affiliate. The Vancouver Canucks scored three goals in 53 seconds, all coming in the last minute of the game, to tie the game 5-5 and eventually win 6-5 in overtime. It was the worst type of blown lead in NHL history, but just another example of Dallas crumbling at the end.

The Texas Stars are filled with players who have seen NHL action, including Blumel, Justin Hryckowian, Arty Hyry and Kyle Capobianco. Also back with Texas for the first AHL playoff game of his season was Alexander Petrovic, who played all but one playoff game with Dallas as the third pair defenseman next to Lian Bichsel.

Petrovic looked like he had a newfound confidence and exactly like he had just gone from defending Connor McDavid to the forward group for Abbotsford. His presence and experience in the NHL should be a massive benefit for the Texas group for the remainder of the playoffs.

Texas now looks to even the series on Wednesday night, with Game 5 confirmed for Friday night. The AHL lessens travel by doing a 2-3-2 home/away format, so Texas could head back to British Columbia with a 3-2 series lead if they can win both remaining games in Cedar Park.

And for Dallas fans, it is a good chance to continue their playoff hockey run, and maybe even see a different Conference Final result along the way.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Dallas Stars site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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