Dallas Stars

Lore & Background

During the late nineties, both teams emerged as dominant forces in the NHL. Across the continent, the Devils built their identity around the impenetrable netminding of Martin Brodeur. When they met in 2000, the stakes could not have been higher. The series was a tactical battle where every goal mattered and goaltending was the deciding factor. Ed Belfour’s stellar performance for Dallas kept them competitive throughout, but New Jersey’s depth proved too much in the end. The legacy of this feud is etched into Devils history as a testament to their ability to perform on the biggest stage. It remains one of the few times a New York-based franchise (via NJ) defeated a Western powerhouse for the ultimate prize, solidifying the team's status during their three-peat era.

In Their Own Story

The crowd roared, sensing destiny hanging in the balance between the red-and-black Devils and the home-town Stars. A loose puck skidded toward the slot, and suddenly Jason Arnott had it. One shot, one moment of silence before the net bulged. The championship was won.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry between the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars is anchored by their collision in the 2000 Stanley Cup Final, a defining moment for both franchises. While not a daily regular-season hatred like other matchups, this series pitted two defensive dynasties against each other at the peak of their powers. This victory cemented the Devils' place as a modern dynasty and highlighted the Stars' resilience despite the loss. It remains a benchmark for playoff excellence in both cities, remembered for the goaltending duel between Brodeur and Belfour that captivated hockey fans nationwide during the turn of the millennium. The match showcased how championship contention bridged conference divides, creating a lasting memory for Devils faithful who witnessed their team overcome a formidable Western contender to lift the trophy.

Did You Know?

• Neal Broten scored the game-winning goal in Game Four of the 1995 Stanley Cup Final for the Devils against the Detroit Red Wings to clinch the title.
• Broten became the first American to score a Cup-winning goal; fellow Americans Brett Hull, Mike Rupp, Patrick Kane, Alec Martinez and Matthew Tkachuk have done it since.
• Broten's 1980 Soviet counterpart Viacheslav Fetisov was on the ice for the heavily favored Red Wings when Broten scored the clincher.
• Broten was traded to the New Jersey Devils from the Dallas Stars for Corey Millen on February 27, 1995.
• Broten is one of two players, along with Ed Belfour, to have played on teams that won the NCAA hockey championship (University of Minnesota in 1979), the Olympic Gold Medal (Team USA, 1980), and the Stanley Cup (New Jersey Devils, 1995).