Oettinger Slams the Door as Stars Make Their Chances Count
Rantanen drives the attack and Robertson strikes early while Buffalo hits iron twice on a night it carried the flow.
Buffalo had the puck and the push, but Jake Oettinger turned their big night into nothing while Dallas cashed the best looks. The Sabres led shot attempts 63–39 and owned more of the dangerous pressure — their chances were worth more by expected goals, 2.6 to 2.18 — yet the scoreboard read 4–0 Stars.
Oettinger was the difference. He stopped all 26, including the tough ones, and finished at 2.6 goals saved above expected — how many more than average he turned away. On the other end, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a rough night with 14 saves on 18 shots.
Dallas made their few chances sting. Jason Robertson struck early and fired 4 shots. Roope Hintz drove the net all night with 6 shots and even clipped the bar. Mikko Rantanen orchestrated with a goal and 3 assists.
Buffalo was inches from answers — two crossbars, including Justin Danforth — but the bounces and the goalie went Dallas’s way. For the Stars, that’s a road-night identity win. For the Sabres, controlling play won’t matter until the finish and the last save match it.
