The Dallas Stars defeated the New York Islanders 6–3 at the American Airlines Center, earning their first win over New York in the 2026–27 season and extending their winning streak. The Islanders kept things competitive for long stretches, but after a scoreless start to the final period, they were unable to contain the home team's offensive firepower.
Dallas sets the tone in the first period
The Stars got off to the better start and took the lead in the 11th minute through Tyler Seguin, with Jamie Benn and Roope Hintz picking up the assists. The goal continued a strong run of personal form for Seguin against the Islanders: he had entered the game on a two-game point streak, having collected four points across those two matchups.
New York responded quickly. Matthew Schaefer levelled the score with an assist from Bo Horvat. Dallas were not rattled, however, and restored their advantage shortly after through Jason Robertson, who found the back of the net unassisted to make it 2–1 after the first period.
Islanders stay in it through the second period
The second period saw the momentum swing back and forth on several occasions. Kyle Palmieri, set up by Ryan Pulock and Bo Horvat, pulled New York level. Dallas then provided the perfect answer on the power play: Justin Hryckowian converted a feed from Thomas Harley and Wyatt Johnston to restore the lead.
The Islanders refused to back down. Brayden Schenn fired a snap shot past the goaltender to draw level again, with Anthony Duclair and Emil Heineman credited with the assists. The second period ended 3–3, leaving both teams with everything still to play for heading into the final frame.
Dallas takes control in the third period
The Stars retook the initiative after the intermission and pulled away decisively in the third period. Wyatt Johnston put Dallas back in front with a goal set up by Nils Lundkvist and Joel Kiviranta. Jason Robertson then extended the lead, finishing off a passing move from Tyler Seguin and Roope Hintz.
Mikko Rantanen added the exclamation point with an unassisted goal to close out the scoring. New York had no answer to the three unanswered strikes in the third period. Dallas dominated the final frame 3–0 and comfortably saw out the advantage through to the final buzzer.
The significance of the home win
Dallas had entered this clash between two playoff contenders as league leaders in the Central Division, riding a four-game winning streak. The Stars validated that standing with a focused and composed closing period. New York, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division after a strong start to the season, showed genuine offensive quality in the first and second periods but lost the game in the final frame.
Roope Hintz had already delivered in the clutch in the previous game against the Winnipeg Jets, scoring the decisive overtime winner. Jake Oettinger, the Stars' established starting goaltender, also continued to provide consistency between the pipes. In the end, Dallas earned a convincing home win, while the Islanders headed out of the American Airlines Center pointless despite scoring three goals.
