When the clock is ticking and the stakes are high, sometimes a single moment of brilliance can change everything. And that’s exactly what Jason Robertson delivered for the Dallas Stars in their nail-biting 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. With just a minute left in regulation, Robertson’s 30th goal of the season wasn’t just a highlight-reel play—it was a game-changer that secured two crucial points for a team fighting for every inch in the Central Division. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this win a testament to the Stars’ resilience, or did it expose deeper fatigue and inconsistency in their gameplay? Let’s dive in.
By Mike Heika
Senior Staff Writer
January 24, 2026
The Dallas Stars desperately needed this win. Locked in a grueling stretch of the season, they found themselves deadlocked with a struggling St. Louis Blues team, with overtime looming as an almost inevitable outcome. That’s when Jason Robertson stepped up, delivering a jaw-dropping goal with just 60 seconds left in regulation. The win pushed the Stars to a 29-14-9 record, tying them for second place in the Central Division with Minnesota. But this wasn’t just about the standings—it was about proving they could close out tight games, something they’ve struggled with recently.
“We’ve been in so many close games lately, and we just haven’t been able to find that one goal to seal the deal,” Robertson explained. His goal, a precise shot lifted over Blues goalie Jordan Binnington off an offensive zone faceoff, was a perfect example of the team’s determination. “It feels good to finally break through like that.”
Robertson’s heroics aside, the game was far from perfect for Dallas. Despite drawing five power plays and converting on two—courtesy of Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene—the Stars were outshot 22-19 and out-attempted 45-43. Jake Oettinger had to be sharp in net, especially as the team’s energy waned in the third period. Mikko Rantanen, returning from a two-game absence due to the flu, looked visibly fatigued, and the Stars as a whole appeared to be feeling the effects of playing their third game in four nights, including travel.
“You could see the fatigue setting in, especially in the third period,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan noted. “We started strong, but we were a bit flat toward the end.” And this is the part most people miss: The Stars’ ability to grind out a win despite their exhaustion speaks volumes about their character—but it also raises questions about their long-term sustainability in a tight playoff race.
Robertson’s goal was more than just a highlight—it was a masterclass in clutch performance. At just 26 years old, he now sits seventh in franchise history with 36 game-winning goals, achieved in just 426 career games. “He didn’t have much space, but he made it work,” Gulutzan said. “It’s not about how many goals you score—it’s about when you score them. That was a massive goal for us tonight.”
But here’s the kicker: The Stars have been in a slump in overtime and shootout situations, going 4-9 in games that extend past regulation, including four straight losses. With a winter storm approaching DFW and a three-game road trip starting in St. Louis on Tuesday, this win couldn’t have come at a better time. However, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin left the game with a lower-body injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team’s outlook.
Rantanen’s return was nothing short of heroic. Despite losing weight and feeling unwell, he logged 22:28 of ice time, including nearly seven minutes on the power play. Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and others also stepped up with big minutes, while Robertson, Johnston, and Roope Hintz each delivered multi-point performances. The Stars’ top scorers continue to lead the charge, but contributions from the depth lines and defensemen are proving equally vital.
So, was this win a turning point for the Stars, or just a temporary reprieve? Duchene summed it up best: “We got rewarded tonight, and Robertson’s goal was incredible. We could’ve been sharper, but I think we deserved this win.”
But what do you think? Is Dallas’ reliance on late-game heroics a sign of resilience or a symptom of deeper issues? And can they sustain this momentum through the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on X @MikeHeika.
