Stars' storybook run to Stanley Cup Final ends one step short of title

One of the most unique and exciting seasons in Stars history ended in disappointment Monday night, as Dallas lost Game 6 to Tampa Bay, 2-0, and watched the Lightning skate the Stanley Cup at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

In a season that was paused by the COVID-19 pandemic and continued in a "bubble" environment, the Stars found a way to win the Western Conference Championship and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the fifth time in franchise history -- and first time since 2000.
In a season where coach Jim Montgomery was fired in December and veteran Rick Bowness took over as head coach, the Stars were able to adjust their offensive problems and get past Calgary, Colorado and Vegas before falling to the Lightning.
In a season where several key players -- including goalie Ben Bishop -- were limited by injury, the Stars found a way to forge nine comeback wins and several franchise records.
It was a storybook season, other than the ending.

"I'm very proud of our players and the organization. We left everything we had on the ice, and from a coaching perspective, that's all you can ask," Bowness said.
"That's why we're in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Nobody expected us to get here, but we believed in ourselves, and we were committed to each other.
"We had team play and great camaraderie and great leadership and they pushed this team as far as it could go."
The Stars were missing five regulars with injury in Game 6, and also had several players fighting through injuries. Tampa Bay was clearly the better team early and took a 2-0 lead on goals by Brayden Point and Plano native Blake Coleman. The Lightning then held off a third-period push by the Stars and gave Andrei Vasilevskiy a shutout.
It was a huge victory for a Tampa Bay team that was swept in the first round of the playoffs last season and vowed to come back from that.

"It's tough to put it into words, the emotions you feel here," said defenseman Ryan McDonagh. "You're just so thankful that you come through on the opportunity, because you never know if you're going to get another one. There was a certain energy in the room and a certain quiet confidence that we really wanted to do it for one another and really proved it throughout the whole playoffs."
Defenseman Victor Hedman, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, said: "In my 11 years, that was the most complete game we've ever played."
That kind of effort was needed, because the Stars kept finding ways to win in the playoffs. They had extended the series with a double overtime win on Saturday, and they were finding new heroes every game.
"We were down one goal, we were down two goals, three goals, we never doubt ourselves that we can't win," said goalie Anton Khudobin, who took over for the injured Bishop and pushed Dallas to the Final. "We just kept going. Unfortunately, it is what it is what now. But the character in this room was unbelievable."
Bowness said he was impressed with his team's heart but knew that they simply didn't have the energy to push any further.

"I'm proud of our players. They gave us everything they could," Bowness said. "Was there enough in the tank tonight? No, there wasn't. But it was a credit to our players to get to Game 6."
The Stars were without forwards Radek Faksa and Blake Comeau, and that took away the checking line that Bowness used for much of the playoffs to set the tone in games. They also were without Roope Hintz, who provided speed in the forward ranks. They were without Bishop and defenseman Stephen Johns for much of the playoffs.
And several players were each battling through bumps and bruises just to play.
"Emotions are tough right now," said center Tyler Seguin. "I'm proud of this organization, these guys. Guys have been hurt and different guys have been stepping up at different times. Going into that locker room, and that trainer's room, having to wait in a line to get in because everybody has ice bags on them. Boys are grinding through. We're very proud of everyone in our locker room."
Mix in the unique situation with the bubble, and it really was a challenge.

The Stars arrived on July 26 and had to stay quarantined inside the "bubble," where they basically played hockey, practiced, and hung out together in their team hotel. Bowness said players had to make mental adjustments to being away from friends and family, and simply to the fact that this is not how you're used to living.
"This was a very difficult situation to live in for nine-plus weeks, but as long as we were winning, you learn to live with it," he said. "When you're competing for the Stanley Cup, it doesn't matter where you are, it doesn't matter the rink, it doesn't matter the conditions, you're still competing for the Stanley Cup. That's a thrill in itself. It's been tough, but it's been well worth it."
The season was historic for the Stars, as they had not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2008. Owner Tom Gaglardi bought the team in 2011, he brought in general manager Jim Nill in 2013, and players like Jamie Benn, Seguin and John Klingberg have been the core for several years while the team has lost twice in the second round of the playoffs.
So just getting to the Conference finals was a big step, and pushing the Lightning to six games was another big step.
"We gave it all, some key players got hurt, we grind it out," said Klingberg. "I'm proud of this team and this organization for what we have done. At the end of the day, we're two wins away from the Stanley Cup."

The Stars will return home on Tuesday and will get a short break before preparation for the 2020-21 season begins. While the league has not yet set out a schedule, the draft is October 6, free agency begins Oct. 9 and teams can start off-season organized workouts Oct. 15.
It's all part of the hectic chaos that has been brought on by the pandemic.
For now, the thought about next season will have to wait.
"We've been together now for what, 70 days. Everyone has been away from their families, girlfriends, wife. We spent a lot of time together … we're brothers," Klingberg said.
"This one stings a lot, it hurts. It hurts a lot. This is the dream to play on the biggest stage in the world and you end up losing. It stings, it hurts."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.