Dallas, TX

Five thoughts from Stars-Jets Game 2: Dallas grounded in lopsided loss

Published

8 months ago

May 10, 2025

Five thoughts from Stars-Jets Game 2: Dallas grounded in lopsided loss

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Dallas Stars could no longer ride the high from their last two games.

After hat tricks in back-to-back games for Mikko Rantanen, the Stars were humbled early by the Jets attack and their offense went cold in a 4-0 loss in Game 2 at Canada Life Centre.

The series returns to Dallas tied 1-1, with the Stars stealing an important win in Game 1.

But the Jets’ response in Game 2 was concerning, as a Winnipeg team that’s underperformed all playoffs seemed to have awoken.

Here are five thoughts from the Stars’ Game 2 loss:

Shades of regular season

Friday’s game was much more in line with the regular-season series between the Stars and Jets than Game 1.

In four regular-season meetings, the Jets outscored the Stars 13-5. Winnipeg’s power play, overall offensive effort and goaltending proved to be far too much for the Stars to overcome when they met in the regular season and became key reasons the Jets went on to win the Presidents’ Trophy.

The Jets looked like the better team and a Stanley Cup contender again Friday, overcoming a shaky start to their playoff run. They scored just 3:35 into the game, added a second tally less than four minutes later and never looked back.

Just like many of their regular-season meetings, the Stars weren’t able to find an answer offensively, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was a big reason.

Playing from behind

The Stars have sacrificed the first goal in eight of nine playoff games. They only scored first in their 6-2 rout of Colorado in Game 5.

Dallas has managed to come back after four of those early deficits, but it dug far too big of a hole Friday to recover.

Tyler Seguin committed a high-sticking penalty that was called a double minor just 17 seconds into the game. Toward the end of that four-minute power play, Gabriel Vilardi scored the Jets’ first goal. Minutes later, Nikolaj Ehlers’ shot bounced off Esa Lindell’s skate and in.

The Stars have recovered from multigoal deficits before, like in the third period of Game 7, but didn’t have the necessary push in Game 2.

In the regular season, the Stars were 31-11-4 when scoring first compared with 19-15-2 when trailing first.

Connor Hellebuyck puts up MVP performance

The Jets’ starting goalie is a Hart Trophy finalist for a reason, and he looked the part in Game 2.

Hellebuyck made 22 saves, including a handful of diving stops late in the second period when the Stars had one of their strongest pushes. He stymied any momentum the Stars built, keeping them off the board entirely.

Friday marked just the fourth shutout in 53 career playoff games for Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck was inconsistent in the first round against St. Louis, posting an .830 save percentage and a 3.85 goals-against average. On the road, his numbers were far worse, with a .758 save percentage and a 7.24 goals-against average, so the real test will be how he fares when the series makes its way to Dallas on Sunday.

Penalties remain an issue

Penalties have been an issue for Dallas throughout the playoffs, and the wrong players have been the culprits as of late.

Earlier in the playoffs, it was Mason Marchment and Lian Bichsel, two of Dallas’ most physical players, responsible for the penalties. But Friday, the Stars’ veterans committed costly penalties early.

Seguin’s high-sticking double minor on his first shift led to Winnipeg’s first goal. Captain Jamie Benn then negated a Stars power play by tripping Adam Lowry. Whether Lowry embellished or not, Benn’s stick was in the wrong spot at a time it didn’t need to be there.

Dallas committed seven penalties Friday. Winnipeg finished 1 for 5 on the power play.

Stars return home in comfortable spot

A 4-0 loss is never comforting in the playoffs, but the Stars accomplished what they needed in Winnipeg.

Dallas split with the Jets, who had home-ice advantage entering the series, meaning the Stars have overtaken that edge. All they have to do is win Games 3, 4 and 6 at home to secure the series.

That, of course, is easier said than done, but Dallas is typically at its best after losses, especially demoralizing ones. The Stars have not dropped two games in a row yet in the postseason. Under Pete DeBoer, they are 14-5 after a playoff loss.

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

Source link

Click to comment

Dallas, TX

Dallas dating app meeting ends in fatal shooting and murder charge

Published

4 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Dallas dating app meeting ends in fatal shooting and murder charge

DALLAS – Dallas police arrested a man for murder after they say he shot a couple he met through an online dating app.

What we know:

Investigators say 26-year-old Noah Trueba shot and killed a 57-year-old woman on Friday morning in Northwest Dallas. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded and pronounced one of the individuals, 57-year-old Guadalupe Gonzalez, dead at the scene.

The second victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

According to an affidavit, Trueba drank and used drugs with the two, who called themselves husband and wife. Trueba later told police that the couple tried to sexually assault him, so he opened fire.

A police drone located him hiding along a nearby highway, after he ran from the scene.

What’s next:

Trueba was arrested at the scene. He is currently booked in the Dallas County Jail and being charged with murder.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brewster Billings at 214-671-3083 or at brewster.billings@dallaspolice.gov.

The Source: Information in this article was provided from documents provided by the Dallas Police Department.

Crime and Public SafetyDallasDallas County

Source link

Dallas, TX

Defensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026

Published

16 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Defensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026

Sunday was another frustrating game for Dallas Cowboys fans who had to watch the secondary miss one tackle after another against the New York Giants.

In addition to the poor angles and inability to wrap up, the defensive backs couldn’t consistently stop an aerial attack that was without their top two players. That sums up the season for the Dallas defense, which is why Matt Eberflus being relieved of his duties feels like a foregone conclusion.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL opponents, home & away schedule set

From there, the question turns to who will replace Eberflus. While there’s no shortage of options available, here’s a look at some of the top candidates if Dallas made fixing the secondary their primary goal.

Daniel Bullocks, DB Coach/Pass Game Specialist, San Francisco 49ers

Detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most impressive coaching trees. While Robert Saleh didn’t excel as a head coach, he returned to his role as defensive coordinator and continued to excel. They’ve also seen DeMeco Ryans do an extraordinary job in Houston as a head coach, with a staff loaded with former 49ers assistants.

That’s why looking at their staff is a wise move. One name to consider is Daniel Bullocks, who has been an assistant with San Francisco since 2017. He currently serves as the safeties coach and pass game specialist. While they haven’t been elite this year, his unit is usually among the best in the NFL.

Aubrey Pleasant, Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant on the sidelines. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Aubrey Pleasant has been a name to watch for years, even interviewing for multiple defensive coordinator vacancies. He’s been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2023, and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2024.

Cory Undlin, Pass Game Coordinator, Houston Texans

Houston Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin reacts during pre game against the Indianapolis Colts. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

DeMeco Ryans was mentioned earlier as a great coach to come out of San Francisco. One assistant he brought along with him is Cory Undlin, who has been a pass game specialist for the 49ers (2021-2022) and now the Houston Texans (2023-present).

MORE: Dak Prescott explains why he’s not blaming himself for Cowboys’ failed season

Houston has a vicious defense led by hard-hitting safeties and physical cornerbacks. Undlin deserves credit for helping develop their young talent and could help Dallas get back on track in the secondary.

Al Harris, Pass Game Coordinator/DB Coach, Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys player player Trevon Diggs talks with Al Harris during training camp at Ford Center. | Handout Photo-Imagn Images

Everyone who follows the Cowboys knows, and loves, Al Harris. He was part of Dan Quinn’s defensive staff and was credited for developing ballhawks such as Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.

Harris left this offseason and while the Cowboys fell apart, the Chicago Bears began to generate turnovers at a high rate. We’ve seen enough to know Harris should have been kept.

Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris was fired after two seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad coach. Morris remains one of the more well-respected defensive minds in the NFL, even winning the Super Bowl in 2021 as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. That was his second Super Bowl ring, as Morris earned one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2002 season. That year, he was a defensive quality control coach for Jon Gruden.

Morris excels at coaching defensive backs and brings extensive experience to the table. He may be exactly the kind of hire Jerry Jones would feel comfortable making, and one Cowboys fans could believe in.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Rapid reactions from Dallas Cowboys’ embarrassing Week 18 loss to Giants

2 winners & 3 losers from Cowboys’ flat Week 18 loss to Giants

Cowboys’ 2026 mock draft adds ‘earth mover,’ star EDGE ahead of Week 18

Dak Prescott finishes 2025-26 NFL season with better stats than record indicates

Did Javonte Williams already play his last game with Cowboys?

Meet Brenley Herrera: Viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader 2025 rookie

Source link

Dallas, TX

Cowboys updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round pick after Week 18

Published

1 day ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Cowboys updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round pick after Week 18

The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their 2025 season on Sunday and will now turn all of their attention to offseason work in the name of not finding themselves out of the playoffs this time next year. Obviously that is much easier said than done.

This upcoming offseason is one of the most important and critical in recent Cowboys history as they have multiple first-round draft picks for the first time since 2008. With the Cowboys now officially done for the season, we know where they will be picking come the 2026 NFL Draft.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order

Here are the first 12 picks of the draft, through the Cowboys selection at number 12 overall, courtesy of Tankathon.

If all of this sounds familiar it is because it is… the Cowboys held the 12th overall pick last year and used it to select Tyler Booker. They also used it in 2021 to select Micah Parsons, more on him in a moment, although they picked it up after trading back two spots. For what it’s worth the Detroit Lions held the pick in consecutive seasons beginning the year after and landed Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, so hopefully that type of success is what the Cowboys find.

While we know where the Cowboys are picking, it is still unknown exactly where their other first-round pick will land. Dallas holds Green Bay’s selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and the Packers are currently set to visit the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Round which means we are all rooting for Chicago to take care of business.

Updated rundown of Cowboys Draft Picks

Keep in mind that Dallas has also already dealt away 2026 draft capital as well.

The Cowboys are projected to receive a couple of compensatory picks as well, potentially in the fifth-round, but those are not fully known at this time.

Source link