Three games into the series with the Vegas Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars are currently down 2-1. The seven game series started out ugly with two losses at home. Taking to the road with alot of questions, the Stars cut into Vegas’ series lead heading into Monday, April 29th. At the fortress, the Stars have taken (at least) one of two must win games.
Heading into tomorrow night, the Stars have a few guys who need to step up, and continue doing what they’re doing.
Guys who need to step up
If the Stars are going to win this series, Jake Oettinger in particular needs to be better. Going back to last year’s playoffs, the Golden Knights have had Oettinger’s number. Jake did finally get a win vs Vegas last night with a great performance in net. He’s gonna have to play like that three more times for his Stats to move onto round two. It’s a tall order, but it’s not impossible.
At the time, Oettinger has stepped up. But another must win in enemy territory awaits him and the team.
Roope Hintz have seemed mostly absent from these playoffs. Which is especially bad news for the Stars since he’s usually among team leaders in postseason goals, and points. You can give Vegas credit for playing great team defense, but for Dallas if winning the Stanley Cup is a priority this flat out isn’t good enough against anybody.
Joe Pavelski’s veteran goal scoring has been sorely missing vs Vegas. Logan Thompson has brought it for Vegas in net every game so far. But to win in the playoffs the best players, and your vets need to shine. We’ll see if Pavelski, and the Stars can take the momentum from an ot win and ride it to tomorrow night’s tilt.
Not everybody went MIA
Jason Robertson has probably been the most effective in this playoff series who is wearing green. He scored in the first two games of this series, and he potted two assists last night too. So he’s scored every game so far against a hot goalie. Putting questions about past playoff appearances to bed during this young series.
The young guys have been effective against the Golden Knights. Wyatt Johnston, who has delivered all year for Dallas netted two last night. Logan Stankoven has played alright this postseason too. Despite not showing up on the score sheet just yet. Coming off of a rookie of the year campaign in the AHL, he’ll be favorite to win the Calder trophy in the NHL next year.
Game 4 tomorrow night
In the here and now, the Stars trail this best of seven series 2-1. To tie the series it’s going to require a full team effort for 60 minutes or more. Coming off an overtime win in enemy territory, the momentum is in the Stars’ favor. Now it’s about the details, building on Saturday night, and they should probably play like they’re down three games to one too.
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