Stars Look to Rediscover Offense vs. Devils After Clinching Playoff Spot

Dallas Stars aim to end two-game skid and prepare for Stanley Cup playoff push against New Jersey Devils

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:25am

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The Dallas Stars will host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, their first game since clinching a playoff spot late Sunday night. The Stars are on a two-game losing streak, having scored just four goals in their last three games. Injuries to key forwards Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen have put more pressure on the Stars' top scorers, Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. The Devils, who are 13 points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, are coming off a three-game winning streak that was snapped by the Washington Capitals on Friday.

Why it matters

The Stars have clinched a playoff spot for the fifth straight season, but their recent offensive struggles have raised concerns about their readiness for a deep playoff run. The Devils, meanwhile, are playing for pride and a chance to play spoiler against one of the Western Conference's top teams.

The details

The Stars' recent offensive woes have come as forwards Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen remain sidelined due to injuries. This has put more pressure on the team's top scorers, Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. Robertson leads the team with 82 points, while Johnston is second with 75 points and set a franchise record with his 23rd power-play goal on Sunday. The Devils, led by Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes, who share the team lead with 55 points, are coming off a three-game winning streak that was snapped by the Washington Capitals on Friday.

  • The Stars clinched a playoff spot late Sunday night after the Utah Mammoth defeated the Los Angeles Kings.
  • The Stars' two-game losing streak is their first in over two months.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

The Stars' head coach, who is in the first year of his second stint guiding the team.

Roope Hintz

A Stars forward who is currently sidelined due to injury.

Mikko Rantanen

A Stars forward who is currently sidelined due to injury.

Jason Robertson

The Stars' leading scorer with 82 points (38 goals, 44 assists).

Wyatt Johnston

The Stars' second-leading scorer with 75 points (38 goals, 37 assists), and the franchise record holder for most power-play goals in a season with 23.

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What they’re saying

“What I do like the most is we've survived a heavy stretch of emotional games, and done very well... The way we've won those games prior, you can still see that in our games. Just maybe some of the offense isn't quite clicking as it has in the past.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Stars head coach

“There was a few games there where it seemed like every puck coming from the point was getting tipped or getting through traffic and making it real hard on (Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom) that way. I think we've done a better job of it ... (but) we're going to be certainly put to the test.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Devils head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.