Wyatt Johnston just made Stars history and Dallas can't ignore it anymore

Mar 22, 2026 (7:44 PM)

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Wyatt Johnston is forcing Glen Gulutzan's hand in Dallas with a power-play surge that just reset the franchise mark.

Johnston buried his 23rd power-play goal of the season, the most ever by a Stars player in a single year. And it wasn't a fluke look.

It came off that familiar bumper spot, quick touch, quick release. The kind of finish that's becoming automatic for him on this unit.

Gulutzan hasn't tinkered much with that top group lately. No reason to. Johnston is driving the middle lane and dictating how penalty kills collapse.

Dallas needed that response early against Vegas. Down 1-0, Johnston tied it at 10:55 of the first and flipped the pace.

That goal was his 38th of the season, another sign his role isn't just power play anymore. He's carrying top-six weight at even strength too.

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Gulutzan is clearly leaning into this deployment. Johnston stays glued to the first unit, and the puck keeps finding him in tight.

Defenders know it's coming. They still can't take it away cleanly without opening space elsewhere.

That's the ripple effect. When Johnston locks the bumper, Dallas stretches coverage to the flanks and creates second chances.

The Stars are sitting at 97 points, right in the thick of the Central race. Special teams like this swing tight games late in the year.

And Johnston isn't just finishing. He's reading pressure, slipping off checks, and presenting his stick exactly where it needs to be.

Veterans on that unit benefit from it. The puck moves faster because Johnston makes quick decisions under pressure.

There's also trust from the bench. No hesitation sending him back out after long shifts or late-game situations.

This isn't a sheltered role anymore. It's a featured one.

And if this keeps trending, Gulutzan won't just ride Johnston on the power play. He'll build even more of the offense through him down the stretch.

Previously on Puck Reporter

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2 HOURS AGO\|2 ANSWERS Wyatt Johnston just made Stars history and Dallas can't ignore it anymore Should Wyatt Johnston stay locked on the Stars' top power-play unit for the playoffs ?
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