Dallas Stars Clinch Playoff Spot, Face Road Trip

0:00It's March 26th. This is NHL News today, powered by AI, your team, your update. The Dallas stars have officially clinched a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, sitting second in the Central Division and second. Overall in the National Hockey League. Under new head coach Glenn Galutsen, they've built on three straight trips to the Western Conference Final and locked up at least a wildcard birth. Despite a recent overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, lately though, the stars have hit a mini-slump over their last five games since March 16th, dropping to 22nd in goal scored. 27th in goals allowed, and slipping in special team's rankings. It's a small dip after dominating much of the season, but it echoes last year's seven game skit to end the regular season when they struggle to. Re-gain form in the postseason. Fans and analysts are buzzing about young star Wyatt Johnston, who broke the franchise record with his 24th power play goal against the new. Jersey Devils also hitting 40 goals for the season.

1:02Adding family flair, the team signed his teammate Justin Raikowian's younger brother Dylan to a two-year entry-level deal, the 21-year-old. College standout brings the same grit shown by his rookie brother. With 97 points, Dallas trails the Colorado Avalanche by seven, but leaves the Minnesota wild by five, setting up a likely first round clash. Following the conference's top teams, the playoff format has some grumbling as these powerhouses can meet early despite the West's overall weakness. Now the stars head out on a four-game road trip to wrap up March, facing the New York Islanders on Thursday, then the Pittsburgh Penguins. Philadelphia Flyers embossed in Bruins by March 31st, a perfect chance to shake off the rest before the playoffs heat up.