Robertson has goal and 2 assists to end scoring drought, helps Stars beat Sharks 5-2

Jason Robertson ended his 10-game goal drought in impressive fashion on Wednesday night, recording a goal and two assists to help lead the Dallas Stars to a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Robertson’s performance was his first multipoint game since October 19 and marked a welcome return to form for the 24-year-old forward, whose early-season production had tapered off in recent weeks. His effort was instrumental in a strong team showing that saw the Stars outlast the Sharks, despite a late push from San Jose.

Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston each added a goal and an assist, while veteran Jamie Benn and winger Evgenii Dadonov also found the back of the net in the win. Jake Oettinger was solid in goal, making 20 saves to improve his record to 7-0-0 at home this season, with just 10 goals allowed over those seven games. His play between the pipes was key to the Stars maintaining control throughout the game, especially as the Sharks looked to rally late in the third period.

For the Sharks, it was another frustrating loss that highlighted their ongoing struggles to string together consistent performances. Despite a strong start to the second period and a brief late-game rally, San Jose was never able to fully challenge Dallas. Mikael Granlund did score a short-handed goal and picked up his 400th career assist, marking a milestone for the veteran forward. Jake Walman also tallied for the Sharks, but those efforts weren’t enough to keep pace with the potent Stars, who capitalized on nearly every opportunity. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 26 shots in the loss, but San Jose’s defensive lapses were too much to overcome.

The game started off fairly evenly, with both teams exchanging chances in the opening period. It wasn’t until late in the first frame that Robertson would break the deadlock. With 4:30 left on the clock, Robertson took a pass from Benn and wired a wrist shot past Blackwood to give the Stars a 1-0 lead. It was a welcome sight for Dallas fans, who had been waiting for Robertson to find the back of the net after a dry spell that lasted over a month.

Dallas controlled much of the play in the first period, but San Jose wasn’t without its chances. The Sharks showed some fight early on, with a few dangerous looks from their top players. However, Oettinger was sharp when called upon, stopping all eight shots he faced in the first 20 minutes. Blackwood, on the other hand, was more active as the Stars’ offense generated 13 shots on goal. Despite the pressure, Blackwood kept San Jose within striking distance heading into the intermission.

The second period saw the game’s momentum shift quickly in favor of the Stars. Just 56 seconds into the middle frame, Johnston doubled Dallas’ lead to 2-1, with Robertson picking up the secondary assist on the goal. The play started with a strong forecheck from the Stars, leading to a turnover in the Sharks’ defensive zone. Johnston made no mistake, snapping a quick shot past Blackwood to give the Stars some breathing room early in the second period.

San Jose’s response was almost immediate, though. With the game still within reach, the Sharks tried to press back and create scoring opportunities. But the Stars’ defense, led by Miro Heiskanen and Ryan Suter, stood tall, limiting San Jose’s high-danger chances and making it difficult for the Sharks to generate sustained offensive pressure.

Despite the Stars’ dominance, San Jose managed to claw back into the game thanks to a strong short-handed effort. At 8:52 of the second period, Granlund pounced on a loose puck in the neutral zone, stealing it away from a Dallas defender and racing in alone on Oettinger. He made no mistake, beating the Stars’ goalie with a quick shot under the glove to cut the lead to 2-1. It was a highlight-reel moment for Granlund, who also picked up his 400th career assist on the play, joining an exclusive club of NHL players.

The goal gave the Sharks some life, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though they might find a way to tie the game. However, Dallas’ depth and offensive firepower soon reasserted itself. As the period wore on, the Stars continued to press, generating several high-quality scoring chances. But Blackwood was up to the task, making several key saves to keep the Sharks in the game. His performance in the second period was a testament to his resilience, but it was clear that the Stars’ offense was beginning to assert control.

By the time the third period arrived, Dallas was in firm control. The Stars continued to skate with pace, winning battles in the corners and in the neutral zone. They were relentless in their forecheck, keeping the Sharks hemmed in their own end for extended periods. Meanwhile, Oettinger remained calm and composed in net, stopping everything the Sharks sent his way.

With just over six minutes remaining in the third period, the Sharks finally managed to break through again. Walman, who had been active on both ends of the ice all night, took a shot from the point that eluded Oettinger’s glove and trickled across the goal line. It was a goal that gave the Sharks a glimmer of hope, cutting Dallas’ lead to 3-2 with just over six minutes to play. The crowd in the arena briefly fell silent, and the Sharks saw an opportunity to steal a game that seemed to be slipping away from them.

However, the Stars quickly snuffed out any chance of a comeback. With less than two minutes remaining, Hintz sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, making it 4-2. A few moments later, Dadonov added another empty-netter to cap off the 5-2 win. Despite the late goal from Walman, the Stars’ superior depth and skill were evident in the final minutes. The Sharks, though they fought valiantly, simply didn’t have the firepower or the consistency to overcome the Stars’ complete game.

Robertson’s performance was undoubtedly the standout of the night, and his return to form was crucial for Dallas. After a stretch of games without a goal, Robertson seemed to find his rhythm again, contributing in all three zones. His ability to generate scoring chances, play with pace, and distribute the puck effectively was on full display. His confidence appeared to return, and that bodes well for the Stars as they continue their push for the playoffs.

Johnston and Hintz were also key contributors for Dallas, showing once again that the Stars have a well-rounded lineup capable of scoring from multiple sources. Benn and Dadonov, two veterans on the team, also played significant roles in the win, with each contributing a goal to the final scoreline.

For the Sharks, the loss was another reminder of how difficult it has been for them to find any real traction this season. Despite some individual bright spots, such as Granlund’s short-handed goal and his milestone assist, the team continues to struggle with consistency and execution. Defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities on special teams have been recurring issues for San Jose, and those problems were on full display against Dallas. While the Sharks’ effort wasn’t lacking, they were simply outclassed by a team with far more talent and depth.

The game also saw a concerning moment late in the third period, when Granlund was hit high by Ilya Lyubushkin. Granlund skated slowly to the bench after the hit and did not return to the ice. After the game, Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky had no update on Granlund’s condition, adding uncertainty to the Sharks’ injury report. Granlund has been one of the few bright spots for the Sharks this season, and his potential absence would be another blow to an already struggling team.

In the end, the Stars’ depth, speed, and offensive power were too much for the Sharks to handle. Dallas extended their home record to 7-0-0, continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier teams in the Western Conference. For San Jose, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to find answers to their ongoing struggles. The Sharks will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their season around and begin competing with the league’s top teams. Meanwhile, Dallas will look to build on their strong performance and continue their ascent toward the top of the standings.