Overtime Winner: Harley Delivers Power-Play Score, Stars Edge Past Jets 2-1, Securing Series Victory
DALLAS - In a heart-wrenching twist, Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele, playing just hours after the sudden passing of his father, delivered a gritty performance in Game 6 of the 2025 NHL Playoffs second-round series against the Dallas Stars. Though his personal torment overshadowed the game, Scheifele scored the opening goal and tallied nine hits, exhibiting an unprecedented level of determination and grit.
The game was a nail-biter, with Stars' Sam Steel tying it up late in the second period. Scheifele's only penalty, a tripping call with 15 seconds left in regulation, set the stage for Stars' power play in overtime. Dallas' Thomas Harley capitalized on the advantage, scoring the series-clinching goal, eliminating the Jets and propelling the Stars to their third consecutive Western Conference Finals.
Following the game, the traditional handshake line took on a new significance, as players and coaches from both teams gathered to console Scheifele, creating a poignant moment that transcended the competition. This rare display of sportsmanship and human connection resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting a moment that surpassed the boundaries of hockey itself.
The Stars, now set to face Edmonton in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row, will host Game 1 on Wednesday night.
Edmonton, who clinched the West last year in six games, closed their second-round series with a narrow 1-0 overtime win over Vegas in Game 5. Stars' goalie Jake Oettinger stood tall, amassing six playoff series wins over the past three seasons, including an incredible diving save late in regulation to keep the Jets at bay.
Dallas' tenacity was evident as they won all three of their overtime games this post-season, with Scheifele's opening goal and Steel's tying goal marking the only goals scored in regulation. Scheifele's goal came just above the glove of Oilers' netminder Mike Smith, while Steel capitalized on a rebound from the top of the right circle.
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[1] Mark Scheifele's performance in the 2025 NHL Playoffs second-round series: https://sports.yahoo.com/mark-scheifele-delivers-emotional-performance-123629818.html
[2] Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars Game 6: https://thehockeynews.com/oilers-edge-jets-in-ot-to-reach-west-final-76145/
[3] Handshake line and Mark Scheifele: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34550263/nhl-players-coaches-jets-star-console-mark-scheifele-after-fathers-sudden-death
[4] Mark Scheifele's emotional performance in Game 6: https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/mark-scheifele-scores-in-emotional-game-6-performance-but-jets-fall-in-ot-to-dallas-76145/
- Despite the emotional turmoil caused by his father's sudden passing, Toronto native Mark Scheifele put up a commendable performance in the NHL news, contributing significantly to the Winnipeg Jets' hockey match against the Dallas Stars.
- The sports world took notice of Scheifele's resilience as he scored the opening goal and demonstrated unparalleled grit in the second-round series of the NHL's thrilling playoffs, a performance that was covered in detail by various news outlets in Toronto and beyond.
