Gulutzan Calls Dallas Stars’ 5–1 Loss to Devils Their ‘Worst Game of the Season’

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

DALLAS — The Dallas Stars’ five-game winning streak ended Tuesday with a 5–1 loss to New Jersey that coach Glen Gulutzan called their worst game of the season.

The Devils outshot Dallas 27–17 at American Airlines Center, repeatedly interrupted its passing and kept the Stars from establishing their forecheck. Nico Hischier scored twice, while Connor Hellebuyck stopped 16 shots in his New Jersey debut.

“It was lopsided they brought their A game, and we brought a C game and that’s what happens,” Gulutzan said.

Dallas fell to 7–4–1. New Jersey improved to 8–4–0.

Gulutzan said responsibility extended throughout the team.

“We have to look at ourselves and ask what we did in the last few days that we would come out that flat,” he said.

Early goals leave Dallas chasing

Hischier opened the scoring at 2:41 of the first period, assisted by Luke Evangelista and Johnathan Kovacevic.

Dallas challenged for goaltender interference after contact involving Timo Meier and Casey DeSmith near the crease. The goal stood, and Matthew Seminoff served the resulting delay-of-game bench minor.

Hischier credited Meier’s drive toward the net with opening space for him to cut into the middle.

Dallas killed the penalty and created opportunities during a back-and-forth opening period. Tyler Seguin forced a save before a follow-up attempt, while Joel Kiviranta had a close-range chance stopped.

New Jersey led 1–0 after one, with an 8–6 advantage in shots.

Hischier scored again just 38 seconds into the second following a Dallas turnover. Luke Hughes and Meier received assists.

The Devils increasingly controlled possession, recovering pucks after Dallas faceoff wins and breaking up attempts to move up ice.

Jesper Boqvist made it 3–0 at 11:45, assisted by Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk.

Justin Hryckowian answered at 16:08, redirecting the puck at the net, with assists from Tyler Myers and Colin Blackwell. He has scored in consecutive games for the second time in his career.

Luke Hughes scored shortly afterward to restore New Jersey’s three-goal lead.

The Devils outshot Dallas 14–4 in the second and led 4–1 entering the third.

Faceoff wins produce little offense

Dallas won 29 of 52 faceoffs, or 55.8 percent, but struggled to turn those wins into sustained possession. Arttu Hyry led the Stars with a career-high 13 faceoff wins in 19 attempts.

“We didn’t win a battle all night,” Gulutzan said.

Roope Hintz said the problems began with Dallas’ inability to break out and establish its forecheck.

“They’re a fast team and obviously really talented with lots of young skill there,” Hintz said. “Fast, young players. But I think it just wasn’t our night and we weren’t ready from the start.”

Miro Heiskanen similarly credited New Jersey’s defending and said Dallas could not get past it to reach the net.

Hellebuyck made important saves, including on a Robertson rebound opportunity, an Arttu Hyry chance and a Robertson wraparound. But Gulutzan said Dallas did not generate enough work for him.

“Our team never tested the goaltender,” he said.

Hellebuyck credited the Devils with blocking shots, keeping attempts outside and allowing him clear sightlines while he settled into his first game with the team.

Benn explains response to hit

Jamie Benn fought Brenden Dillon after Dillon’s hard check knocked Nils Lundkvist off his skates during the second period.

“I was the one that passed it to Nils,” Benn said. “I felt like it was my responsibility.”

Both received fighting majors, and Benn’s additional instigator minor put Dallas shorthanded.

The Stars killed that penalty and finished 3-for-3, extending their run to 22 consecutive successful kills across six games. Dallas received no power plays.

Jack Hughes completed the scoring at 13:50 of the third, assisted by Brett Pesce and Jesper Bratt.

Kyle Capobianco also limped off following contact with Meier. His condition remained unconfirmed.

Before an announced crowd of 18,532, Dallas finished with seven third-period shots.

“They played good,” Benn said. “We just couldn’t get anything going tonight. Credit to them.”