The 1999 Stanley Cup Championship Series
The historic seven-game triumph that brought the Stanley Cup to Dallas for the first time.
The 1999 Stanley Cup Finals stands as the crowning achievement in Dallas Stars franchise history, marking their first championship. (The Stars would later win again in 2020.) Facing the Buffalo Sabres, a team that had reached the finals for the first time, the Stars navigated a grueling seven-game series defined by defensive grit and goaltending mastery. This victory not only fulfilled the promise of the team's relocation from Minnesota but also cemented an era dominated by legends like Mike Modano and Brett Hull.
- Champion
- Dallas Stars
- Opponent
- Buffalo Sabres
- Series Result
- 4-3
- MVP
- Joe Nieuwendyk (Conn Smythe Trophy)
- Key Goal Scorer
- Brett Hull (Game 7 Winner)
- Goaltender
- Ed Belfour
Lore & Background
The legacy of this series is defined by the controversial 'No Goal' moment in Game 7, where Brett Hull scored the championship-winning goal while his skate was in the crease—a violation of the rule at the time, though the goal was upheld after review. The controversy sparked debates that would become a staple of modern hockey, but the goal stood, sending Dallas into a frenzy. Since the game was played in Buffalo, the celebration took place at HSBC Arena, where the Stars lifted the Cup on enemy ice—a rare and unforgettable sight.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the First Niagara Center in Buffalo was thick with tension and the smell of popcorn mixed with desperation. It was Game 7, the final chapter of a saga that had captivated hockey fans across America. As the clock ticked down in overtime, every breath seemed to echo louder than the previous one. Then, Brett Hull took a pass from Mike Modano, deked past the defense, and fired the puck. The net rippled, the horn blared, and chaos erupted. In that frozen moment of pure adrenaline, Dallas was no longer just a team; they were champions.
Reader's Guide
The series reached its boiling point in Game 7 at Buffalo's First Niagara Center. After splitting the first six games, both teams knew one mistake would cost them the title. The pivotal moment arrived in overtime when Mike Modano set up Brett Hull for what became known as the 'Gordie Howe Hat Trick' goal—a play where Hull scored while his skate appeared to be over the line, sparking immediate controversy. Replays were inconclusive at the time, but the goal stood, and the arena erupted into a mix of jubilation from Dallas fans and disbelief from Buffalo supporters. Modano's reaction was one of pure release, sliding on his knees as he realized the magnitude of the achievement. Fans still remember this series decades later because it represented the ultimate redemption for a franchise that had endured years of near-misses before finally hoisting the Cup.
Did You Know?
- Joe Nieuwendyk won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP; Mike Modano was the Stars' captain but did not win the award.
- Brett Hull's Game 7 goal is famously debated because his skate was in the crease, not over the goal line—a rule that was later clarified.
- Ed Belfour recorded five wins in the series, including two shutouts, anchoring the defense throughout the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals?
The Dallas Stars defeated the Buffalo Sabres in a grueling seven-game series to claim their first franchise championship. This victory concluded with a final series score of 4-3, marking a historic moment for the relocated team.
Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP?
Center Mike Modano received the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the Stars through the playoffs with exceptional play. His performance was instrumental in securing the franchise's first and only Stanley Cup title to date.
How did Brett Hull secure the championship victory?
Brett Hull scored the decisive goal late in the third period of Game 7, famously known as the Breadstick Goal. This strike ended the series and sent the trophy back to Texas after a grueling battle against Buffalo.
Why is this series considered the pinnacle of Stars franchise history?
It represents the crowning achievement for the organization, fulfilling the promise made when they moved from Minnesota. The win cemented an era defined by defensive grit and legendary goaltending under Ed Belfour.
Who was the primary goaltender during this championship run?
Ed Belfour served as the starting netminder, providing mastery in goal throughout the grueling seven-game series against Buffalo. His consistency was a key factor in navigating the defensive battles required to win the Cup.
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