The 2019 Conference Finals Run
A seven-game thriller that saw the Stars fall just short of the Stanley Cup Final.
After a dominant regular season under head coach Lindy Ruff, the team surged through the Western Conference playoffs to face the St. Louis Blues in a pivotal seven-game series. This era is defined by the leadership of captain Jamie Benn and the veteran presence of Tyler Seguin, as they pushed the franchise to the brink of a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
- Head Coach
- Lindy Ruff
- Captain
- Jamie Benn
- Opponent
- St. Louis Blues
- Series Result
- Lost in 7 games
- Key Achievement
- Western Conference Finals appearance
Lore & Background
The Conference Finals against St. Louis became an instant classic of Dallas lore. The series went the full distance, featuring intense physical play, overtime heroics, and a stunning collapse in Game 7. Despite outshooting the Blues in several contests and playing with immense heart, a critical defensive breakdown in the final minutes of the decisive game ended their season. The run is remembered not just for the loss, but for the resilience shown throughout the series.
In Their Own Story
The ice at American Airlines Center was scarred from six previous nights of brutal hockey. In Game 7, with seconds ticking away and the score tied, Jamie Benn skated toward the net, eyes locked on the puck. The crowd held its breath, a collective silence that felt heavier than any roar. A pass went astray, a defender closed in, and the opportunity vanished into the boards. As the buzzer sounded, the realization hit: they had come so far, only to be stopped at the final gate.
Reader's Guide
Early playoff rounds saw the team dismantle Nashville and Colorado, proving they could win without relying solely on star power. The identity was one of collective effort, with goaltender Ben Bishop providing stability between the pipes. The series against St. Louis tested this resolve to its limit. While the Stars managed to force a Game 7 after trailing in the series, the inability to close out the final game highlighted the thin margin between glory and heartbreak in the NHL.
Did You Know?
- Jamie Benn scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 against St. Louis.
- The Stars became the first team since 2013 to win three consecutive playoff series in seven games before falling short.
- This was Lindy Ruff's first deep playoff run as head coach of the Dallas Stars.
More in Club History & Eras
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