In a fortnight, the ice will still exist at the American Airlines Center. The dreams of another Stanley Cup will live. The hopes of a franchise will linger. Summer will be delayed.
With a 6-2 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the Stars clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2015-16, punctuating a topsy-turvy season that will endure into the postseason under first-year coach Jim Montgomery. The Stars entered the day three points up on Colorado for the first wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Alexander Radulov scored twice, and four more Stars (Jason Dickinson, Esa Lindell, Tyler Pitlick and Blake Comeau) scored for Dallas and goaltender Anton Khudobin made 32 saves.