3 Dallas Stars players who disappointed in Game 4 loss feat. Mason Marchment

The Dallas Stars missed an opportunity to go up 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals by blowing a 2-0 first-period lead. The Stars had been on a roll coming into Game 4, but the Edmonton Oilers turned up the heat and evened the series.

With a crucial game looming on the horizon, it’s worth taking a closer look at three Dallas players who disappointed in Game 4.

3 Dallas Stars players who disappointed in Game 4

#1: Thomas Harley

Thomas Harley was the victim of an unfortunate turnover during the Dallas Stars’ second-period power play. Harley attempted to make a point shot, which was blocked, leading to a 3-on-1 turnover.

During the play, Harley tried to recover but seemed to give up quickly, allowing Mattias Janmark to score a shorthanded marker, giving the Oilers a 3-2 lead. The goal seemingly rattled the Stars, as less than a minute later, Leon Draisaitl extended the lead to 4-2.

Harley has played well for the Stars throughout the postseason. However, this particular incident made the Dallas Stars’ defense look vulnerable.

#2: Ryan Suter

Ryan Suter, another Dallas Stars’ defenseman who disappointed in Game 4. Paired with shutdown D-man Chris Tanev, the duo looked slow and vulnerable in the game.

Suter finished the night at a minus-2, with Ryan McLeod’s first goal making him look especially vulnerable. Suter rolled into his netminder Jake Oettinger, knocking the goalie off balance. In the ensuing scramble in the front of the net, the Stars left McLeod unattended, allowing him to bury a loose puck to put the Oilers on the board.

While Suter isn’t entirely to blame for this particular goal, the play goes to show that Dallas’ defense may not be as strong as previously thought.

#3: Mason Marchment

Marchment ended the night with a minus-3 rating, registering just two shots on goal without generating any significant offense. However, it was his defensive lapses that let his team down. For instance, during Ryan McLeod’s goal, Marchment lost the puck along the board in the Edmonton zone, allowing the Oilers to transition into a 3-on-2 rush.

Then, McLeod popped the rebound home. By the time Marchment got back into the play, the Oilers were already celebrating the goal.

Then, Evan Bouchard easily beat Marchment to the net, which led to the Oilers’ second goal. It seemed as though Marchment made little effort to catch up to Bouchard. As a result, Bouchard found plenty of ice to step in and tie the game.