The Winnipeg Jets have confirmed that Mark Scheifele will not participate in Game 6 against the St. Louis Blues, raising concerns as the team aims for a series clinching victory. Scheifele sustained injuries from two heavy hits during the Jets' recent 5-3 win, with coach Scott Arniel stating he will remain behind in Winnipeg. With Scheifele's absence, who has notched six points in the series, the Jets will rely on substitutes like Vladislav Namestnikov, who stepped up by scoring in the last game. Furthermore, Nikolaj Ehlers continues to be sidelined, leaving the Jets to navigate the challenge with their remaining lineup. As the Jets chase their first playoff series victory since 2021, every player’s contribution will be crucial.

The Dallas Stars reclaimed their series lead against the Colorado Avalanche with a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 5, showcasing a rapid scoring ability that stunned their opponents. Wyatt Johnston opened the scoring just nine seconds into the game, tying for the fifth-fastest playoff goal. The team capitalized on this momentum, with goals from Mikko Rantanen and Mason Marchment sealing the victory. This win marked the first for the Stars in regulation, breaking a pattern of tight contests characterized by overtime.

Despite initial pressure from the Avalanche, who brought the game to a tense 3-2, Dallas exhibited resilience and regained control. Their next game is crucial as Colorado will attempt to push the series to a seventh game. Stars coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the difficulty of maintaining momentum in playoffs, and Dallas has now become the first Western Conference team to achieve three wins. The Stars’ strategy to target Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood has finally paid off, reigniting their hopes for the postseason.

Tyler Seguin's heroic return to the ice proved pivotal as he netted the game-winner for the Dallas Stars in overtime, leading to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars now hold a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Seguin's long-awaited comeback came after a 58-game hiatus following hip surgery, and he showcased his skill by scoring just over five minutes into overtime. Meanwhile, Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog made a triumphant return after a significant injury layoff, though it was Seguin who shone brightest on the night.

The game unfolded as a tightly contested defensive battle, with each team trading penalties. Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring for Colorado, exploiting a quick opportunity to put the Avalanche ahead. Dallas leveled the score late in the third period thanks to Jamie Benn’s redirection past Mackenzie Blackwood, setting the stage for Seguin's overtime heroics. Notably, Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell made a critical save, blocking a potential go-ahead goal from Artturi Lehkonen.

The Vancouver Canucks' disappointing season culminated in a 4-1 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, effectively sealing their fate of missing the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years. Despite the loss, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes expressed frustration over the team's performance, reflecting on the lost potential from a year that began with high hopes. The Golden Knights, with Pavel Dorofeyev leading the charge, secured their playoff position, showcasing a strong team performance.

Jack Eichel returned from injury to be a key contributor for Vegas, while the Canucks' struggles were exacerbated by injuries to their stars, including Elias Pettersson and Thatcher Demko. Despite winning six individual awards this season, Hughes's focus on the team's overall failure highlights a difficult off-season ahead for Vancouver. Coach Rick Tocchet, who had a stellar previous season, now faces intense scrutiny as the Canucks aim to rebuild and re-establish themselves in the league.

Evgenii Dadonov's late-game heroics propelled the Dallas Stars to a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking the Stars' fifth consecutive win. Dadonov scored two goals in the final eight minutes, including a crucial tie-breaking deflection confirmed by video review and a wraparound goal with just over four minutes remaining. Wyatt Johnston contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Mason Marchment and Logan Stankoven also found the back of the net.

The Blue Jackets had initially taken three one-goal leads thanks to goals from Cole Sillinger, Adam Fantilli, and Ivan Provorov. However, they couldn't hold off the Stars, who demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in killing off a critical 6-on-4 power play in the game's closing minutes.