GAME RECAP: Stars Shut Down Penguins 4-1

Jake Oettinger leads Dallas Stars passed the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins opened this game with something to prove after looking rather lifeless over the weekend against the St. Louis Blues. They outshot the Stars 18-9 in the opening frame, but Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger stifled the Penguins attack.

As the game wore on, the Stars talent began to shine through, and the Penguins' mistakes started creeping back in. By the time the third period began, the Penguins were back to the lifeless version that we saw in St. Louis.

Goal Recap

(PIT 1-0) Bryan Rust (5): Jake Guentzel (6) & Sidney Crosby (3)

(TIE 1-1) Jason Robertson (1): Craig Smith (1) & Roope Hintz (1)

(DAL 2-1) Evgenii Dadonov (1): Matt Duchene (1) & Thomas Harley (2)

(DAL 3-1) Thomas Harley (1): Joe Pavelski (3) & Jason Robertson (3)

(DAL 4-1) Wyatt Johnston (2): Jamie Benn (2)

Three Stars

3. Jake Guentzel

Guentzel was the best player on the ice for the Penguins from start to finish. He registered a team-high seven shots on goal and set up the lone goal of the game for the Penguins with a cross-crease pass to Bryan Rust late in the first period.

In a contract year, Guentzel is proving early on that he is more than just a goal scorer, leading the team with six assists through the Penguins' first six games.

2. Jason Robertson

The Stars have one of the most complete rosters in the NHL, and they proved it last night, getting contributions from all around their lineup. Robertson was in on two pivotal goals for the Stars against Pittsburgh.

He opened the scoring for Dallas by capitalizing on an Erik Karlsson turnover in the second period, picking up his rebound and shoveling it past Alex Nedeljkovic. Robertson then factored in on the putaway goal in the third period when he forced a turnover in the neutral zone, triggering Alex Nedeljkovic's rush to the puck that led to Thomas Harley's "empty net" goal to make it 3-1.

1. Jake Oettinger

Oettinger was far and away the best player on the ice for either team in this game. He ended the night with 38 saves on 39 shots and was tested heavily throughout the night. According to MoneyPuck, Oettinger saved 3.44 goals above expected against the Penguins, stealing the game away from Pittsburgh and leaving them with more questions.

Final Thoughts

For the second straight game the Penguins looked lifeless late in the game. The Penguins entered the third period trailing by one goal, but mental errors and unforced turnovers extended the Stars lead to three and put the game out of reach.

The Penguins now have a three-game losing streak heading into a matchup with the undefeated Colorado Avalanche.

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