(Dallas) The Vegas Golden Knights know how to bounce back when they fall behind in these NHL playoffs.

“We are strong mentally,” said team head coach Bruce Cassidy. They are veterans who know that one goal, or getting scored first, shouldn’t define the rest of the game. »

The Golden Knights have trailed in 11 of their 13 2023 playoff games, including 10 with the opposition scoring the first goal. Despite this, they currently find themselves with a 2-0 lead in their series against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals.

The Stars, who return home for Game 3 on Tuesday night and Game 4, scored first in the first two meetings but lost those in overtime.

“We have to keep focusing on our game,” Golden Knights center Jack Eichel said. You know you’re not going to be your best every game, but even then you find ways to win. »

“We could have won both games,” Stars head coach Peter DeBoer said. I don’t think it’s any less disturbing that we lost both games in overtime. They took advantage of our mistakes. »

The Stars have lost two games in a row for the first time since mid-March. The team became the first in history to lose Game 1 of three straight series in the same year. The Stars, however, prevailed in Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild and the Seattle Kraken.

“We have a very tenacious squad,” Stars defenseman Ryan Suter said. Everyone showed up last game, and we have to do the same at home. »

The Stars went 8-14 in overtime games during the regular season, including two shootout wins. The team had won all three of its games against the Golden Knights this season. The Stars still haven’t won in overtime in these playoffs.