Dallas has won six straight games, outscoring opponents 26-11 during the stretch.
“It felt like a playoff game,” Oettinger said. “They’re a great team obviously over there, they’ve been one of the best teams in the League all year and just not a lot of flaws on that team, so just a good measuring stick, and obviously we know what’s at stake . So, just to get a gritty win like that is huge.”
JT Miller scored, and DeSmith made 30 saves for the Canucks (45-20-8), who have lost two straight games when a win would have clinched a playoff berth.
“Every game is supposed to be hard,” Miller said. “We talked about them being one-goal games the rest of the way, and they have been the last few weeks. And we’re playing playoff teams. And basically, it all comes down to special teams, which is how it works in the playoffs sometimes.”
Vancouver finished 0-for-4 on the power play. Dallas was 2-for-6.
“Special teams were really good,” said Pavelski, who had two assists. “The [penalty kill] led the way, and we found a couple on the power play. It’s good to see us execute late in the game with an opportunity to take the lead.”
Hintz put the Stars ahead 1-0 with a power-play goal at 18:48 of the first period, tapping on his own rebound at the left post off a cross-crease pass from Robertson. Benn had the secondary assist on the goal for his 900th NHL point.
“Not much,” Benn said when asked what he meant to reach the mark. “I like the two points better.”
