Well, that “U.S. backup” has Dallas on the verge of its third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final. Oettinger mostly has outplayed Hellebuyck throughout these NHL playoffs and in the second-round Western Conference series that the Stars lead 3-1 over the top-seeded Jets.

The Stanley Cup playoffs continue with two elimination games. Washington Capitals host Carolina Hurricanes. Winnipeg Jets will play against Dallas Stars. Both Washington and Winnipeg are down 3-1 in their series.

The Dallas Stars will have a chance at home to extend their NHL Western Conference playoffs series lead over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, May 13.

Veteran center Mikael Granlund chose the right time for his first career hat trick, recording three goals Tuesday night, as Dallas handled the Winnipeg Jets, 3-1, in Game 4 of the Western Conference second round,