Stars’ Matt Duchene sends emotional message after crushing series loss to Wild appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It was a tough end for the only hockey team in the Lone Star State, as the Dallas Stars lost 5-2 in Game 6 to the Minnesota Wild, ending their season. After the loss, Matt Duchene reflected on the loss and expressed that he believed his team would return to the playoffs next season.
The Stars struggled mightily throughout the series, being unable to grab the momentum after taking the 2-1 series lead over the Wild after Game 3. Overall, they played well enough to keep it close. But the Stars’ 5 on 5 play did not fare well over the final four games, scoring just three times on even strength.
For his part, Matt Duchene played well in this series, scoring three goals and seven assists over six contests. Yet, it was not enough to help the Stars, as they often could not keep the pace or be consistent. In Game 6, the Wild held Jason Robertson off the scoresheet, which was another factor in their ability to take this game.
Duchene, who is under contract until the end of the 2028-29 season, will be one of the players returning. Currently, the Stars’ salary cap situation is at max capacity, making it difficult for them to add any players. Robertson will be one of the question marks, as he is a restricted free agent, which puts his future in doubt.
After falling in the Western Conference in two consecutive seasons, the Stars could not make it past the First Round. Now, they will attempt to recover from this loss and return to the playoffs, hoping for a deeper run. Duchene will be right there for the Stars next season when they attempt to make another run.
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