Apr 23, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Alex Iafallo (19) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period at Crypto.com Arena. Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Kings, Predators clinch playoff berths thanks to Stars shootout win

By Adam Stites | Last updated 4/27/22

The Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators are guaranteed spots in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs thanks to the Dallas Stars.

On Tuesday night, the Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights in a shootout that guaranteed the Kings and Predators can finish no worse than eighth in the Western Conference. That leaves only one spot left in the playoffs with only the Stars and Golden Knights left to battle for it.

Dallas scored early in the third period to tie the game, 2-2, and it eventually went to overtime. After a scoreless five minutes, the teams went to a shootout that was dominated by the goaltenders. The first 12 shots in the shootout period were unsuccessful before the Stars' Miro Heiskanen finally slipped one past Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson.

The goal and save that sealed the deal @ATT | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/h3l4kT0b8o
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 27, 2022

In addition to clinching spots for the Kings and Predators, the win for the Stars means Dallas is likely headed to the postseason as well.

The Kings have 95 points, the Predators and Stars are tied with 94 and the Golden Knights are four points behind with 90. While Vegas could win a tiebreaker with Dallas, it would need to win its final two games of the season and see the Stars lose back-to-back games in regulation.

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