The Stars’ loss to the Canucks is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hockey. No lead is safe, especially against a team with nothing to lose
While Dallas may still secure a playoff berth and even make a deep run, this game will serve as a reference point for what not to do when protecting a lead.
For Vancouver, it’s proof that perseverance pays off. Their playoff fate remains uncertain, but they’ve already shown they can compete—and surprise—when the stakes are high.
The Dallas Stars have the skill, chemistry, and depth to chase the Stanley Cup. But championship teams close games. They don’t let late leads slip away.
If Dallas can turn these recent lessons into better habits, they’ll be a dangerous opponent for any team come playoff time.
The regular season is winding down, and the time for fine-tuning is now. If the Stars want to shine in the postseason, they must fix their late-game issues before they become postseason heartbreaks.
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Jamie Benn: Dallas Stars’ Stunning Loss to Vancouver Canucks
On Tuesday night, the Dallas Stars experienced one of their most crushing defeats of the season in a game that seemed firmly in their control1
Holding a 5-2 lead late in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks, the Stars appeared poised to skate away with two critical points in their pursuit of the Central Division title.
Instead, they gave up three goals in the final minute of regulation and ultimately lost 6-5 in overtime.
The stunning turn of events not only cost them a win but also left the team visibly frustrated and searching for answers with just four games remaining in the regular season.
Tweets that age well…. pic.twitter.com/Tva7D4ksnO
— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) July 12, 2021
A Game That Slipped Through Their Fingers
With less than 60 seconds left in the game, Dallas fans were already celebrating what looked like a convincing win.
Goals from Tyler Seguin, Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and others had built a comfortable cushion. However, hockey is a game of momentum, and the Canucks seized every ounce of it in the final moments.
Vancouver’s comeback began with a goal from Aatu Raty that cut the deficit to two. Just moments later, Pius Suter struck twice in rapid succession to tie the game at five.
The Stars’ defense crumbled under pressure, and their goaltending faltered when it mattered most.
Overtime Heartbreak
As the game entered overtime, the momentum had clearly swung in Vancouver’s favor. The Canucks, energized by their last-minute rally, continued their offensive push.
Just 3:44 into the extra period, Kiefer Sherwood netted the game-winner, completing the unbelievable comeback and sending Dallas into disbelief.
Sherwood’s goal wasn’t flashy—it was gritty and opportunistic—but it was enough to seal the victory and keep the Canucks’ faint playoff hopes alive for another day.
Jamie Benn’s Harsh Reality Check
Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn didn’t sugarcoat his post-game reaction.2
Known for his leadership and directness, Benn was clearly disappointed and angry with how the team finished the game.
“Unacceptable. That game should’ve been wrapped up. We should have found a way to get it done. You gotta play 60 minutes. It’s just unacceptable from this group, especially this time of the year,” Benn told reporters.
His words resonated with fans and media alike, reflecting the frustration of a team that failed to perform under pressure.
Playoff Implications for the Stars
A win on Tuesday would have brought the Stars within three points of the Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets.
Instead, they remain five points back with only four games left. The narrow margin means Dallas will now need help from other teams if they hope to claim the top spot.
Every point matters in a tightly contested division, and giving up a sure victory could prove costly when the final standings are determined. The Stars must now shift their focus and ensure that such a collapse doesn’t happen again.
Canucks Cling to Playoff Hopes
The Vancouver Canucks entered the game needing a regulation win to remain in the playoff hunt. For most of the night, it looked like their postseason dreams were coming to an end.
But the remarkable comeback not only gave them two points—it sent a message that they’re not ready to go quietly.
With momentum now on their side, Vancouver may approach their remaining games with newfound confidence. If they manage to squeak into the playoffs, this game will undoubtedly serve as the turning point.
The Anatomy of a Meltdown
So, what exactly went wrong for Dallas? Several factors contributed to the Stars’ collapse:
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Poor Defensive Zone Coverage – In the final minute, the Stars failed to clear pucks and allowed the Canucks to gain control in dangerous areas.
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Goaltending Breakdown – Jake Oettinger had a decent game until the closing stretch, but he couldn’t stop the flurry of late goals. His confidence may be shaken heading into the final games.
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Lack of Urgency – The Stars appeared to take their foot off the gas, assuming the game was in hand. That mindset proved disastrous.
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Inability to Adapt – Dallas didn’t react quickly enough to the Canucks’ aggressive push, failing to make necessary adjustments defensively.
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer didn’t shy away from acknowledging the disappointment either. In his post-game remarks, he emphasized that such a lapse cannot happen at this stage of the season.
“We let one slip away. It’s a lesson, a harsh one, but it better be something we learn from fast,” he said.
DeBoer now faces the task of refocusing his team and rebuilding their confidence ahead of a crucial stretch.
Jamie Benn: Fan Reaction
Shock and Disbelief
Social media erupted as fans tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed. Many Stars supporters expressed frustration, anger, and disbelief3
Others praised Vancouver for never giving up. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
For Canucks fans, the improbable win offered a glimmer of hope—a reason to keep believing in their team.
The game illustrated the contrasting mental states of two teams fighting for different goals.
Dallas, aiming for the division title, played as if their spot was secure. Vancouver, desperate to survive, played with urgency and determination until the final buzzer.
That difference in mentality proved decisive.
Key Players: Heroes and Scapegoats
While Kiefer Sherwood earned headlines for his overtime heroics, it was Pius Suter who truly ignited the comeback with two goals in the final minute. His ability to find soft spots in the Dallas defense made all the difference.
On the Dallas side, questions are being asked of their veteran core and goaltending. Jake Oettinger’s late-game performance will come under scrutiny, and defensemen like Ryan Suter and Miro Heiskanen may also be held accountable for breakdowns in coverage.
Dallas now has four games to correct course before the playoffs begin. This collapse could either serve as a wake-up call or become a psychological burden. The team has enough talent to go far, but mental toughness will be just as important as skill.
Their next outing will be closely watched. Fans and analysts alike will look to see how the Stars respond to such a humbling defeat.
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Jamie Benn: Pittsburgh’s Comeback Sparks Concern
The first loss in the skid came against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a game where Dallas saw their own offensive prowess on display, particularly through Evgenii Dadonov, who notched a hat trick.
Dadonov first equalized after Sidney Crosby’s power-play goal, then later gave the Stars a 2-1 lead. His third goal early in the third seemed to put Dallas in the driver’s seat.
But Crosby wasn’t finished. He leveled the score once again, demonstrating why he’s still one of the most clutch performers in the league.
Bryan Rust and Alex Nylander added goals of their own before Crosby sealed the deal with an empty-netter. The final score read 5-3, and while Dadonov’s performance was brilliant, the Stars’ inability to close out the game was glaring.
Overtime Woes Against Minnesota
Just a night later, Dallas faced off against the Minnesota Wild. The Stars struck first through Jason Robertson, who finished a play started by their new addition, Mikko Rantanen.
The team held a 1-0 lead deep into the third period, looking poised to bounce back from the loss in Pittsburgh.
But again, things fell apart late. Matt Boldy tied the game with a sharp-angle goal, and Marcus Foligno gave the Wild a 2-1 advantage minutes later.
Although Thomas Harley salvaged a point by tying it up with a blast from the blue line, the Stars couldn’t hold on in overtime. Marco Rossi capitalized on a power-play opportunity to deliver the dagger.
That game was particularly frustrating for Stars fans. The team played disciplined hockey for most of the game but failed to clamp down when it mattered most.
Jamie Benn: Goaltending Under the Microscope
While Jake Oettinger has had another solid season, recent games have seen him face high-quality scoring chances late, often without much help from his defense.
It’s unfair to place the blame squarely on his shoulders, but in the postseason, every goal matters.
Defensive structure in front of the net has been shaky. The Stars are allowing too many cross-ice passes and slot-area shots in crucial minutes. Opponents are finding ways to exploit Dallas’ defensive lapses when it counts the most.
Head coach Pete DeBoer and his staff have guided the Stars to one of their best seasons in recent memory. Still, the recent string of losses means adjustments are needed—and quickly.
Whether it’s tweaking defensive pairings, adjusting late-game strategies, or managing time-on-ice more efficiently, the coaching staff must react before the postseason begins.
They may also consider situational line changes late in games—perhaps favoring more defensively responsible forwards and defensemen when protecting a lead. Small decisions like these can shift the narrative in tight playoff matchups.
Lessons from the Regular Season
While the NHL regular season is long and grueling, it’s also a time for learning. The Stars’ current skid could be viewed as a valuable learning moment—if they respond correctly.
Identifying what’s gone wrong, owning the mistakes, and correcting course could transform this mini-slump into the fuel they need for a deep playoff run.
Many teams hit rough patches before the playoffs. The best ones use them to refocus and recharge.
With only a few games left in the regular season, Dallas has a clear path ahead: fine-tune their game, shore up late-period defense, and head into the playoffs with confidence—not doubt.
The Stars have all the tools to make a deep run. Their mix of veterans and young talent, elite scoring, and playoff experience positions them well. But if they can’t close out games, it won’t matter how many regular-season points they racked up.
Jamie Benn: Photoshoot
Jamie Benn and his wife Jessicaa Benn shared the glimpses from their prepartum photoshoot.
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Team Leaders Must Set the Tone
Players like Duchene, Robertson, and Rantanen will be crucial in setting the locker room tone. Leadership—both vocal and by example—will be needed now more than ever.
Whether it’s during practice or in high-stakes playoff games, veterans need to lead the charge toward more structured, disciplined third periods.
Likewise, team captain Jamie Benn, who’s been through deep playoff runs, must help rally the squad. His presence on and off the ice could be pivotal in turning the tide.
Three losses do not define a season. But they can signal areas that demand immediate attention. For Dallas, these late-game letdowns are not insurmountable, but they require urgency.
The margin for error in the playoffs is razor-thin, and the Stars can’t afford to be their own worst enemy when games are on the line.
This isn’t a crisis—it’s a wake-up call. A warning light blinking red just before the most important games of the year.
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