Heading into Thursday night’s Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals with their backs against the wall. Trailing the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in the series, the Stars had to win, or their season would be over.
The play of defenseman Ryan Suter did not help Dallas’ cause.
With the game tied 1-1 in the second period, Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault beat the Stars goalie Jake Oettinger to put the Golden Knights up 2-1.
A closer look at the goal showed that Oettinger didn’t have much of a chance, with Suter’s defense on Marchessault leaving a lot to be desired. Suter had his back turned to the puck and therefore had no idea that the pass from Brayden McNabb went right through his legs. But while Suter was facing Marchessault, he also didn’t do much to keep Marchessault from getting off a shot a point-blank range.
"Ryan Suter is not facing the puck. He doesn't take body nor stick of Marchessault." pic.twitter.com/HIO74QGaem
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 26, 2023
Suter’s play, which has been subpar throughout the series, came under heavy scrutiny again after the goal.
If the Golden Knights win the Cup, Ryan Suter should get serious Conn Smythe consideration.#VegasBorn
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) May 26, 2023
ryan suter helping the dallas stars pic.twitter.com/bBUqqD3Ryp
— Ava (@avatarrant) May 26, 2023
Ryan Suter is doing more in this series to destroy his defensive reputation than anyone could even dream of.
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) May 26, 2023
Fantastic pass by McNabb, and Ryan Suter defense by Ryan Suter on that Marchessault goal. 2-1 VGK
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 26, 2023
Ryan Suter went for Marchessault, Marchessault went for the puck.
2-1, Golden Knights
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) May 26, 2023
Dallas did tie the game later in the second period on a goal from Jason Robertson.
The Stars are facing a significant obstacle, trying to overcome a 3-0 deficit. If Dallas is going to have any realistic chance at doing so, Suter’s play will need to be a lot more sharp going forward.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
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