Could the Dallas Stars return to a 12-forward, six-defensemen lineup with Miro Heiskanen making strides in Game 6?

The Dallas Stars drafted forward Wyatt Johnston with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Three years later, he's helped lead the Stars into the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive season.

By advancing to the conference finals for the 3rd straight year, the Stars can get revenge on the Edmonton Oilers.

Wayne Gretzky, who works as a studio analyst for TNT and, oh yeah, happens to be the universally accepted hockey G.O.A.T., stopped by the Stars’ locker room after Dallas’ 2-1 overtime win to give his congratulations on a great season and wish the team luck moving forward in the playoffs.

Heiskanen’s return also helps Dallas readjust its defense. Thomas Harley absorbed more responsibility and minutes during Heiskanen’s absence at the end of January. Harley averaged a team-leading 24:53 of ice time over 30 games after the injury and played on the top power-play unit. He averaged 22:27 per game prior to Jan. 29.

For the third consecutive year, the Dallas Stars are going to the Western Conference finals. The Stars outlasted the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6 on home ice, winning 2-1 in overtime to secure the series 3-2.