Well, that “U.S. backup” has Dallas on the verge of its third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final. Oettinger mostly has outplayed Hellebuyck throughout these NHL playoffs and in the second-round Western Conference series that the Stars lead 3-1 over the top-seeded Jets.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli took it to the Jets on his latest podcast, where he stated if Winnipeg wants any chance to beat the Stars, they have two things to fix.

The Dallas Stars look dangerous, just one win away from the Western Conference finals. But increased contributions from these five players could take them

One win away from advancing to the Western Conference final, it's frightening how much more dangerous this team can get at full strength.

When all-star winger Mikko Rantanen was traded early this season, it reordered the league. When he was traded again, it shook up the entire postseason.

The Oilers, who last season made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final before losing in seven games to Florida, will play Dallas or Winnipeg in the next round. The Stars, who lead 3-1, will go for the series win Thursday night.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are each one win away from winning their second-round series and moving on to the conference finals.

Dallas has found ways to not only survive, but thrive while shorthanded against some of the NHL’s best power plays, and it’s creating a surge of momentum