Imagine a team breaking a nearly decade-long curse in a city where victory seemed impossible. That’s exactly what the Dallas Stars did in Ottawa, and it’s a story that’s as thrilling as it is surprising. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this win a fluke, or is it a sign of something deeper—a team finally finding its resilience? Let’s dive in.
On a chilly Tuesday in November 2025, the Stars pulled off the unthinkable. For the first time since March 2016, they secured a win in Ottawa, snapping an eight-game winless streak at the Canadian Tire Centre. Roope Hintz sealed the deal in overtime, capping off a stunning 3-2 comeback after the team had fallen behind 2-0 early in the game. This wasn’t just any win—it was their fourth victory this season after trailing by two goals, a testament to their growing ability to fight back under pressure.
And this is the part most people miss: The Stars’ struggle in Ottawa has been baffling. Over the years, Dallas has consistently been a top regular-season contender, while the Senators have lagged behind. Yet, the Canadian capital seemed to have a hex on them. When the Stars found themselves down 2-0 within the first nine minutes, it looked like history was repeating itself. But this time, something was different.
Playing their third game in four nights, with travel on three consecutive days, fatigue was expected. Coach Glen Gulutzan admitted as much, yet the team’s response was anything but tired. “We settled in, stopped their momentum, and then built our own,” Gulutzan explained. It wasn’t an immediate turnaround, but the Stars’ persistence paid off. After being outshot 21-13 in the first 40 minutes, they dominated the third period and overtime with a 20-8 shot advantage, proving they earned every inch of that victory.
Forward Jason Robertson, who had been in a goal drought for 10 games, stepped up big time. With three points, including his first goal in weeks, Robertson was a key figure in the comeback. “We wanted this one really bad,” he said, capturing the team’s determination. Gulutzan’s decision to pair Robertson with Mikko Rantanen proved genius. The duo clicked instantly, with Robertson setting up Rantanen for his ninth goal of the season and then scoring on the power play to tie the game in the third.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Robertson leads the team in shots on goal with 69, but his shooting percentage sits near the bottom at 5.8%. Is this a sign of inefficiency, or is he simply due for a breakout? Gulutzan believes it’s the latter, praising Robertson’s confidence and hoping this performance will kickstart his season. The coach’s willingness to experiment—like swapping Robertson onto Rantanen’s line—highlights the Stars’ adaptability, a trait that’s become their hallmark this season.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Adam Erne left the game with an injury, and Jamie Benn, recovering from a collapsed lung, remains day-to-day. Yet, the Stars have shown they can handle adversity. “I like the resiliency,” said goalie Jake Oettinger, who improved his record to 7-3-2. “If we can mix that with good starts, we’ll be a really good team.”
With a 10-4-3 record, the Stars sit second in the Central Division and third in the Western Conference. Breaking “The Curse of Ottawa” was more than just a win—it was a statement. As Gulutzan put it, “You never want those things to linger, because they create a life of their own.” And now, they’ve put that curse to rest.
But here’s the question for you: Is this the turning point for the Stars, or is it just a momentary high? Do you think their resilience will carry them to greater heights, or are they still missing something crucial? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!
