Wyatt Johnston's Power Play Heroics Propel Stars

0:00It's April 23rd. This is NHL News Today, your AI-powered team coverage. Wyatt Johnston just etched his name deeper into Playoff Lore, snagging the double overtime winner for the Dallas Stars against the Minnesota Wild. That goal gave Dallas a 2-1 series lead, and it came right in a sweet spot, deflecting a shot from the low slot. This 22-year-old center leaves the NHL, with 27 powerplay goals this season, turning heads league wide. This game evolved big time from his first three years, where powerplay tallies were sparse, just three as a rookie at a 24 total goals. This year, 27 of his 45 came on the man advantage, tying him for second most among active players in a single season. That kind of leap has folks comparing him to Tampa Bay's Braden Point for his quick release and bumpersmarts. Johnston soaked up wisdom from vet Joe Povelski, who schooled him on deflections and even housed the kid his rookie year. Now he's the net front menace every team fears, building a rep as a two-way beast and

1:03clutch score. Last playoffs he dropped 10 goals in 19 games, proven he thrives under pressure. The Stars' powerplay clicked at second best in the regular season, and in these playoffs their crushing at over 35 percent. Johnston's already got two goals and two assists there, while log in 23 minutes 46 seconds a night, tops among forwards. Let's trust him heavy, playing him over 20 minutes regular season two. With Johnston firing on all cylinders, Dallas looks primed to roll past Minnesota and chase that deep run. His growth makes him the X factor, especially when the games on the line in that low slot he owns.