Miro Heiskanen leads Dallas Stars to 3-2 comeback win over Carolina Hurricanes

The Dallas Stars needed a statement win, and on Saturday night at American Airlines Center, they got exactly that. After enduring a grueling four-game losing streak that threatened to derail their promising 3-0 start to the season, Dallas rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. The comeback victory showcased the resilience and determination that had been missing during their recent skid, with defenseman Miro Heiskanen leading the charge with a two-goal performance that included the game-winning power-play marker.

The win wasn’t just about ending the losing streak—it was about rediscovering the identity that made Dallas so dangerous early in the season. Facing a Hurricanes team that had won five of their first seven games, the Stars demonstrated the defensive grit and opportunistic offense that will be essential as the season progresses.

Early adversity tests the Dallas Stars in 3-2 win over Carolina Hurricanes

The opening period belonged entirely to Carolina, and for a Stars team already reeling from four consecutive defeats, it represented the worst possible start. Jackson Blake opened the scoring just 4:14 into the game, capitalizing on a turnover with a display of exceptional hands around the net. The young forward’s goal gave the Hurricanes immediate momentum and put Dallas on their heels.

Things went from bad to worse as the period wound down. With just 10.3 seconds remaining in the first frame, Sebastian Aho extended Carolina’s lead to 2-0 with a laser from the right circle. The goal came off an errant pass from Heiskanen near mid-ice, a mistake that could have haunted the Finnish defenseman for the rest of the night. Aho’s goal extended his point streak to eight games, marking just the second time in his career he’d recorded points in at least eight consecutive contests to start a season.

The deficit left Dallas facing a critical juncture. They could fold under the pressure of extending their losing streak to five games, or they could dig deep and find the resolve that had characterized their undefeated start. The American Airlines Center crowd, concerned about their team’s recent form, anxiously awaited the answer.

Head coach Glen Gulutzan had admitted earlier in the day that he’d seen signs of the losing streak coming, noting the team had been slogging through what he called “clunkiness” from day one. Now, down two goals, that clunkiness needed to be replaced with precision and determination.

Miro Heiskanen’s redemption anchors Dallas Stars’ 3-2 win over Carolina Hurricanes game recap

The second period began with Heiskanen looking to atone for his first-period mistake, and he needed just 64 seconds to do exactly that. The Stars’ star defenseman redirected a pass from Esa Lindell past Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi, cutting the deficit in half and injecting life into both his team and the home crowd.

The goal marked a turning point not just in the game, but potentially in Dallas’ season. After four consecutive losses, the Stars needed someone to step up and take responsibility, and Heiskanen answered that call emphatically. His willingness to push the play offensively, despite his earlier turnover, demonstrated the mental fortitude that separates elite players from good ones.

Just 4:30 later, Dallas completed the comeback. Sam Steel tied the game at 2-2 with a power-play goal, redirecting a Thomas Harley shot in front of the net. The Stars’ special teams, which had struggled during the losing streak, finally came through when it mattered most. The momentum had completely shifted, and Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour could only watch as his team’s early dominance evaporated.

The Hurricanes’ defensive struggles became more pronounced as the period progressed. While Bussi made several key saves to keep the game tied, Dallas was clearly controlling play. The Stars outshot Carolina 34-28 for the game and dominated in blocked shots with a staggering 30-9 advantage, showcasing the defensive commitment that had been lacking during their losing streak.

Power-play precision seals the Dallas Stars’ 3-2 win over Carolina Hurricanes game recap

The third period was tightly contested, with both teams understanding the stakes. For Dallas, extending the losing streak would create serious questions about their playoff aspirations. For Carolina, losing ground in the standings after starting 5-2 would be a bitter pill to swallow. The game remained deadlocked at 2-2 as the minutes ticked away, with both goaltenders making crucial stops.

Then, with 8:42 remaining, the Stars caught a break. A four-on-three power play presented Dallas with a golden opportunity, and they executed to perfection. Heiskanen, positioned at the point, unleashed his second goal of the game with assists from Wyatt Johnston and newly acquired superstar Mikko Rantanen. The goal was Heiskanen’s sixth career multigoal regular-season game and couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment.

Carolina didn’t surrender quietly. They pulled Bussi with just over two minutes remaining, loading up for one final assault on Jake Oettinger’s net. The Hurricanes generated a flurry of shot attempts, desperately trying to extend their strong road trip. But the Stars’ defense, which had surrendered far too many goals during the four-game skid, stood firm.

Oettinger finished with 26 saves on 28 shots, while Bussi recorded a career-best 31 saves on 34 shots in his first NHL defeat. Despite the loss, Bussi’s performance gave Carolina hope for the future, even as Sebastian Aho acknowledged the disappointing end to their six-game road trip. “It was right there for us,” Aho said postgame. “Tight game; they got a couple of bounces. Obviously, they earned them.”

Defensive commitment defines the Dallas Stars’ 3-2 win over Carolina Hurricanes game recap

The 30-9 blocked shots advantage tells the story of Dallas’ renewed commitment to team defense. During the four-game losing streak, the Stars had appeared disjointed defensively, allowing opponents to generate high-quality scoring chances with alarming frequency. Against Carolina, they rediscovered their identity as a defense-first team willing to sacrifice their bodies.

This defensive structure didn’t just help Oettinger—it also created transition opportunities. The Stars’ ability to break out cleanly after blocking shots led to several odd-man rushes that kept Carolina’s defense honest. In modern hockey, defense truly does create offense, and Dallas proved that axiom against one of the league’s most potent offensive teams.

The victory came with a potential cost, however. Forward Roope Hintz left the game after taking a heavy hit, creating concern for a Stars team already dealing with several forward absences. Hintz’s status will be monitored closely as Dallas prepares for their next game at Nashville. Losing another key forward could undermine the momentum generated by Saturday’s comeback win.

Despite the injury concerns, the defensive performance provides a template for future success. Carolina entered the game having scored 32 goals through seven games, averaging nearly 4.6 goals per contest. Limiting them to just two goals—and none after the first period—demonstrated that when Dallas commits to their defensive structure, they can shut down even the most explosive offenses.

What this victory means for the Dallas Stars after their 3-2 win over Carolina Hurricanes game recap

Saturday’s comeback win represents more than just two points in the standings. For a team that had won its first three games before dropping four straight, the victory prevents what could have been a catastrophic spiral. Five consecutive losses would have created serious questions about the team’s mental toughness and ability to handle adversity.

Heiskanen’s performance, in particular, offers a blueprint for how the Stars can succeed. When their star defenseman plays with confidence and aggression, pushing the pace offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility, Dallas becomes exponentially more dangerous. His willingness to atone for his first-period mistake by scoring twice demonstrates the leadership that will be crucial as the season progresses.

The power-play success also cannot be understated. During the losing streak, Dallas’ special teams had been a liability. Converting twice against Carolina, including the game-winner, shows that the Stars can execute in high-pressure situations. As the season progresses and games tighten up, special teams proficiency will often be the difference between winning and losing.

Looking ahead, Dallas faces a quick turnaround with a game at Nashville on Sunday. The back-to-back scenario will test their depth, especially with the uncertain status of Hintz and other injured forwards. However, the confidence gained from Saturday’s comeback should carry over. The Stars proved they can overcome adversity and grind out wins even when they’re not playing their best hockey.

For Carolina, the loss stings but doesn’t diminish what was largely a successful six-game road trip. Brind’Amour acknowledged that his injury-depleted team competed hard, saying, “It’s tough when you lose a game that was there for us.” The Hurricanes return home to face Vegas on Tuesday, where they’ll look to bounce back in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, Dallas will try to build on their momentum and string together another winning streak that recaptures the magic of their 3-0 start. The 3-2 victory over Carolina might just be the spark they needed.