Stars coach Pete DeBoer started his most veteran forwards on the ice when the puck dropped for Friday’s Game 2. It probably wasn’t a coincidence, hoping he could count on them to make good decisions and remain composed during what was anticipated to be a heavy push from Winnipeg after losing Game 1 on home ice.

The Winnipeg Jets were able to hold off the Dallas Stars in Game 2, evening up the best-of-seven playoff series. Winnipeg showed why they were the best team in the NHL all season long, shutting out the explosive Dallas offense.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on Dallas Stars' Mikael Granlund (64) during third period NHL playoff hockey action in Winnipeg, Canada, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP) AP