Stars Edge Flames 4-3 in OT Thriller

Wyatt Johnston's late power-play goal lifts Dallas to victory over Calgary

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice reduced to angular, overlapping shapes in shades of blue, green, and white.The Dallas Stars' overtime victory over the Calgary Flames showcased the intensity and unpredictability of NHL playoff hockey.Dallas Today

In a closely contested NHL matchup, the Dallas Stars defeated the Calgary Flames 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday night. Wyatt Johnston scored twice for the Stars, including the game-winning goal 3:39 into the extra period on a power-play backhand shot. Justin Hryckowian and Jason Robertson also found the back of the net for Dallas, while Zayne Parekh, Yegor Sharangovich, and Joel Farabee scored for the Flames. Jake Oettinger made 17 saves to earn the win for the Stars, while Devin Cooley stopped 21 shots in the losing effort for Calgary.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two Western Conference playoff contenders. The victory keeps the Stars in the hunt for a top seed, while the Flames missed an opportunity to gain ground in the standings.

The details

The game was tightly contested throughout, with the teams trading goals in regulation. Robertson's third-period tally sent the game to overtime, where Johnston's power-play marker in the extra frame proved to be the difference. The Stars dominated the faceoff circle, winning 62% of the draws. Calgary defenseman Kevin Bahl left the game early with a lower-body injury and did not return.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Johnston scored the game-winning goal 3:39 into overtime.
  • Robertson's game-tying goal came 4:51 into the third period.

The players

Wyatt Johnston

A forward for the Dallas Stars who scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

Jason Robertson

A forward for the Dallas Stars who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Jake Oettinger

The goaltender for the Dallas Stars who made 17 saves to earn the victory.

Zayne Parekh

A forward for the Calgary Flames who scored one of their three goals.

Kevin Bahl

A defenseman for the Calgary Flames who left the game early with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game against a divisional rival, but the guys really stepped up and found a way to get the win in overtime.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“It's a tough loss, but we had our chances and just couldn't capitalize. We'll regroup and look to bounce back against Colorado on Thursday.”

— Darryl Sutter, Head Coach, Calgary Flames

What’s next

The Stars will host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, while the Flames will visit the Colorado Avalanche on the same night.

The takeaway

This was a hard-fought, back-and-forth game between two Western Conference contenders. The Stars' ability to win the majority of faceoffs and capitalize on their power-play opportunity in overtime proved to be the difference, keeping them in the hunt for a top playoff seed.