Plucky Stars keep showing they belong

EDMONTON, Alberta — After a very un-Stars-like first overtime period in which they sat back and let the Lightning take it to them, players and coaches in the locker room had a very distinct message.

“We’ve got to play to win, let’s go at them, let’s get back on our toes and get skating again,” coach Rick Bowness said. “We found our legs. We found our second wind.”

And it’s their second win of the Stanley Cup Final to force a Game 6 Monday night that these teams see very differently. The plucky Stars are embracing the underdog role missing several key players to injury and feel as if they’re playing with house money, while the deep, talented Lightning still feel like the favorites up 3-2 in the series and are confident based on recent experience they’ll be able to close the series out in their next opportunity.

The Stars were doubted against the Flames, Avalanche and Golden Knights, and the injuries still make it an uphill climb to beat the Lightning two more times in a row.

Shots are 175-136 in favor of the Lightning and goaltender Anton Khudobin has had to come up big in his team’s two wins this series, but being counted out is just how the Stars like it.

“Every person seemed to choose the other team we’re playing — we relish that,” said center Tyler Seguin, who has five points in the last two games after a five-game drought. “We believe in each other. We’ve got a confident group, and we don’t want to leave the bubble, so we’re having fun.”

That’s what made the first OT so troubling for the Stars, who put the Lightning on their heels to take Game 1. Suddenly, the same team that buzzed and attacked until Joe Pavelski tied it in the third period Saturday night was playing not to lose when one goal against would end the season.

The attacking mentality returned, leading to Corey Perry’s goal in double OT, and the Stars get one more shot to prove they belong here.