The Dallas Stars had a chance to advance on Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets. They needed to bounce back from a brutal loss in Game 5 in Winnipeg. Both teams battled hard as they searched for a winning goal. It took overtime, but Stars defenseman Thomas Harley was the one who made a difference.

The Stars put a ton of pressure on the Jets, trying to take advantage of an early power play. Harley found a loose puck in the slot and fired home a shot. Connor Hellebuyck could not make the save, and that ended the game. The Jets are going home, while the Stars advance to the Western Conference Finals where the Edmonton Oilers await.

The Stars and Oilers met in the 2024 Western Conference Finals, of course. Dallas and Edmonton played a very tight series that could have gone either way. In the end, it was the Oilers who claimed the series, winning in six games. They went on to face the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Stars, Jets share emotional handshake line after Game 6

Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen (96) is congratulated by his team mates against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre.
Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
Related Dallas Stars NewsArticle continues below
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) shakes hands with Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) after the Stars defeat the Jets in the overtime period in game six of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Jamie Benn, Mark Scheifele share powerful moment after Stars’ Game 6 victory
Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (95) skates into the Winnipeg Jets during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre.
Stars’ Matt Duchene confidently shrugs off dreadful playoff slump
Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele (55) battles Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn (14) for the puck during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre.
Stars HC Peter DeBoer ‘OK’ with Jamie Benn sucker punching Mark Scheifele

Before the game, Jets star Mark Scheifele learned that his father had passed away unexpectedly. It's a challenging time for the veteran forward. But he decided to play in Game 6 with his team's season on the line. Scheifele scored the lone Jets goal in this game, but his team could not force Game 7.

The NHL has a tradition at the end of each playoff series. The teams lineup at center ice and shake hands, congratulating each other on a series hard fought and paying respects for battles won and lost. On Saturday, the handshake line was noticeably more emotional, as Stars players lingered to comfort Scheifele after Game 6.

It's a heartbreaking way for the season to end for Scheifele and the Jets. This is a fantastic gesture from the Stars to show their support in a euphoric moment for the franchise. Hopefully, the Scheifele family can find peace and healing in this difficult time.