From 2017-2019, Matt Duchene was a member of the Ottawa Senators. The Duchene trade would set the franchise back for years and will go down as one of the worst trades in franchise history.
After the 2018-19 season, Duchene had a stint with the Nashville Predators for four years. For the past two seasons, Duchene has been a member of the Dallas Stars.
Duchene led the Stars in the 2024-25 regular season with 82 points and 52 assists. The Stars are in the 2025 Western Conference Finals with Duchene on the team. After struggling heavily in the 2025 playoffs, Duchene got out of his slump at last.
Duchene scores GWG in Game 1 against Oilers
Through Dallas' first 13 playoff games, Duchene had recorded a total five points and a -9 rating. All five of Duchene's points were assists and the 34-year-old was struggling deeply.
Entering the 2025 Western Conference Finals in a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers, the Stars were going to need Duchene to get out of his slump, and he delivered in the third period.
The Stars found themselves trailing 3-1 heading into the third period. The Stars got themselves a pair of powerplay goals from Miro Heiskanen and Mikael Granlund. Then, Duchene arrived.
At 5:58 of the third period, Duchene scored Dallas' third consecutive powerplay goal to give the Stars a 4-3 lead. Duchene's goal was his first of the 2025 playoffs and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Duchene's goal would turn out to be the game-winning goal as the Stars held on to a 6-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead against the Oilers. Duchene's goal was his first in the playoffs since his double overtime game-winning goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 of last year's second round series.
Duchene and the Stars now get ready for Game 2 on Friday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Game time for Game 2 is at 8 p.m. ET.