In a tightly contested second-round showdown, Russian winger Yevgeny Dadonov found the net to help the Dallas Stars level the Western Conference series against the Seattle Kraken in a high-stakes NHL playoff clash. The Dallas arena roared as the puck crossed the line, lifting the home side to a 4-2 victory that swung momentum in the Stars’ favor.
The crucial tally from Dadonov came in the 30th minute, marking his fourth playoff goal of the season. Dallas benefited from a well-rounded scoring effort, with Wyatt Johnston, Joe Pavelski, and captain Tyler Seguin also contributing goals to seal the win.
Seattle’s replies came from Ty Cartier and Jordan Eberle, who found the scoresheet to keep the game competitive before Dallas pulled away late in the contest. The result left the series tied after two games, with the next chapter of the Western Conference semifinal slated for a 4:30 p.m. local time face-off in Seattle on May 8, a matchup that will be watched closely by fans across North America.
Looking back at the Stars’ path to this point, Dallas had previously eliminated the Minnesota Wild in a grueling first-round series, advancing with a 4-2 win in that matchup as they pressed forward in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Dadonov joined Dallas in February after a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, reinforcing a forward group already capable of lighting the lamp in crucial moments. The move placed another veteran scorer alongside a roster that includes fellow Russian forward Denis Guryanov, who joined the team in a separate deal, continuing Dallas’ trend of gathering players with proven playoff experience.
Last season, Dadonov saw time with the Vegas Golden Knights and has previously left his mark in other strong hockey markets, including stints with the Florida Panthers and within the talent-rich ranks of SKA Saint Petersburg. His presence adds depth to a Stars lineup that leans on a blend of seasoned stars and young, energetic forwards to push through the demanding playoff grind.
On a broader note, leadership within the Russian hockey community has weighed in on the status of players in North American leagues. While discussions and various developments unfold, the league continues to monitor and adapt to many players’ careers that span continents, reflecting the evolving landscape of professional hockey today.