The Wraparound: Dallas Stars Improvements Before Playoffs The Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/] were back in action Tuesday night as they took on the Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/] at the American Airlines Center. Dallas had Roope Hintz [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-forward-back-in-the-lineup-after-missing-time-with-upper-body-injury] back in action after the forward missed the previous three games. The two teams came together in a season finale in what could very well be a preview of the Stanley Cup Final. The Dallas Stars have been chasing second place in the Central Division for a few weeks now, but have not been able to capitalize. That was the story of the game on Tuesday night, where the Stars were unable to take advantage of opportunities in front of the net. Those failed chances, along with poor puck possession, came back to bite them when a Dallas turnover led to a Jesperi Kotkaniemi [https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/player/jesperi-kotkaniemi-8480829] goal in the 2nd period. Thomas Harley [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/thomas-harley-8481581] would tie things up with a goal of his own midway through the third period. Kotkaniemi would eventually score the winning-goal, as well as his second of the game, when a Sean Walker [https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/player/sean-walker-8480336]shot deflected off his skate. Stars will be back on Friday to finish up their home stand against the Vegas Golden Knights [https://www.nhl.com/stars/schedule/2025-01-01]. Puck drop is 6:30pm CST and can be viewed on ESPN.
