Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29), defenseman Chris Tanev (3) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) celebrates after the Stars defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round

By Paul Harris | Last updated 5/5/24

The Dallas Stars advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 Game 7 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The Stars hold on to win Game 7! pic.twitter.com/MjaWvUr8fY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2024

The Stars will play the Colorado Avalanche in Round 2.

Dallas' fourth line of Radek Faksa, Sam Steel and Craig Smith led the way with Faksa netting the winning goal just 44 seconds into the third period to break a 1-1 tie.

It was a backhand shot from the right circle that caromed off the leg of Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez.

Radek Faksa's backhander beats Adin Hill and the Dallas Stars take back the lead! pic.twitter.com/SjDCFGx389
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 6, 2024

Stars' coach Peter Deboer is now 8-0 in his career in Game 7s.

His team, which had the best record in the Western Conference during the regular season, eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Wyatt Johnston, 20, gave Dallas a 1-0 lead with 5:26 left in the first period, just seconds after the Golden Knight's Jonathan Marchessault hit the goal post with an empty net at the other end.