STARS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS READY TO JOSTLE FOR A GAME 5 WIN

* Dallas, which looks to force a Game 6 after falling behind 3-0 in a series for the second time in franchise history (4-2 L vs. DET, 2008 CF), can be the first team to do so since Philadelphia in the 2016 First Round (4-2 L vs. WSH). The Stars/North Stars are already one of four franchises to do so in the Conference Finals/Semifinals: also Sabres (4-2 L vs. NYI, 1980 SF), Islanders (4-3 L vs. PHI, 1975 SF) and Rangers (4-3 L vs. BOS, 1939 SF).

* Miro Heiskanen factored on two of three Stars goals in Game 4, including the primary assist on Joe Pavelski’s winner in overtime, and now owns nine career multi-point games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Only six defensemen in NHL history have registered more at age 23 or younger: Paul Coffey (20), Cale Makar (12), Ray Bourque (12), Denis Potvin (11), Bobby Orr (11) and Al MacInnis (10).

* Six players who appeared in at least one game for the Golden Knights during their historic run to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final remain with the team: Reilly Smith (5-17—22 in 20 GP), Jonathan Marchessault (8-13—21 in 20 GP), William Karlsson (7-8—15 in 20 GP), Shea Theodore (3-7—10 in 20 GP), Brayden McNabb (2-3—5 in 20 GP) and William Carrier (0-0—0 in 7 GP). Vegas can join Tampa Bay (2022, 2021, 2020 & 2015) and Pittsburgh (2017 & 2016) as the third team with multiple berths in the Final since the NHL realigned its format in the 2013-14 season.

* Karlsson sits tied with Marchessault with a team-leading eight goals during this postseason and has scored in each of Vegas’ three potential series-clinching games in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs (1-0—1 in Game 4 at DAL, 1-0—1 in Game 6 at EDM & 1-0—1 in Game 5 vs. WPG). Should he find the back of the net in Game 5, Karlsson can become the third player in the past 30 years to extend his stretch to four consecutive contests (Martin Gelinas: 4 GP in 2004 w/ CGY & Tomas Holmstrom: 4 GP in 2002 w/ DET).

WILL WE SEE MORE OT IN ROUND THREE?

Three of four games in the Western Conference Final – and five games overall in the Conference Finals – have required more than 60 minutes of play, with the Golden Knights skating to overtime victories in Games 1 and 2 while the Stars did so to stave off elimination in Game 4.

* There have been 23 overtime games in total throughout the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs – the ninth most in a single postseason in NHL history and five shy of the League record (1993 & 2020 w/ 28). Five of the past eight playoff years have seen at least 20 such contests: also 2021 (27), 2020 (28), 2017 (27) and 2016 (20).

* Should the Golden Knights and Stars require another overtime period in Game 5, the Western Conference Final would become the fourth Conference Finals/Semifinals series to feature four such contests following the 1933 Semifinals (TOR vs. BOS, 4 GP), 1939 Semifinals (NYR vs. BOS, 4 GP) and 1968 Semifinals (STL vs. MNS, 4 GP).

QUICK CLICKS

* NHL to commemorate anniversary of NHL Draft with '60 Diamonds' series

* How Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers were built

* 'Quest for the Stanley Cup' sees history made in Conference Finals

* Stars confident they can make historic comeback in West Final
* Lucas Raymond to play host with Red Wings in NHL Global Series in Stockholm

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.