The Dallas Stars are back in the Stanley Cup playoffs after a record-setting season that saw them finish second in the Western Conference with 108 points. The Minnesota Wild, a team they split four games with during the regular season, is their opponent in the first round.
Seven reasons why the Dallas Stars could go all the way and lift the Cup for the second time in franchise history.
- Roope Hintz is on fire. With 38 goals and 76 points in 82 games, the Finnish forward led the Dallas Stars, and he continued to perform well in the postseason. In Game 2 against the Wild, he not only had a hat trick but also two breakaway goals and an assist. He is a threat every time he is on the ice thanks to his speed, ability, and devastating shot.
- Jake Oettinger is a solid block. With a 33-12-5 record, a 2.18 goals-against average, and a.926 save percentage, the 23-year-old goalie had a breakthrough season. Additionally, he tied for second place in the league with six shutouts. For his outstanding performance, he received a three-year contract extension. He has also played well in the playoffs thus far, stopping 88 of 94 shots in three games.
- Miro Heiskanen is a Norris Trophy candidate. The 22-year-old defenseman had another tremendous campaign, ranking second with 68 points and first among all NHL blueliners with 60 assists. He also had the fourth-most ice time per game (25:32), in the league. He was instrumental in stopping Minnesota’s top scorers in Game 2 and has been a force on both sides of the rink. He had four assists that game.
- Jason Robertson is a Calder Trophy finalist. The 21-year-old winger enjoyed a standout debut campaign, finishing second on the club to Hintz with 27 goals and 65 points in 79 appearances. In addition, he finished second in goals behind Tim Stuetzle of Ottawa (28), and he also led all NHL rookies in points and assists (38). His playoff performance has been equally outstanding, with two goals and three assists in four games.
- Mason Marchment is a great addition. The 26-year-old forward was a valuable addition to the Stars’ roster when he was signed as a free agent in the offseason. In 74 games, he played largely on the third line with Tyler Seguin and Ty Dellandrea and recorded 32 points and 15 goals. He has also added some toughness and physicality to the group, leading them in hits with 156 and penalty minutes with 72.
- Pete DeBoer is a proven winner. Rick Bowness, who guided the Dallas Stars to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final, was replaced as head coach by DeBoer, who was hired by the team last summer. DeBoer has an impressive background, having led two separate clubs (the San Jose Sharks in 2016 and the New Jersey Devils in 2012) to the championship game. He has ingrained a quick-thinking, aggressive, and balanced style of play that works well for the Stars’ players.
- They have experience and depth. The Stars boast a core of seasoned players with postseason experience, including Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski, Ryan Suter, and Marc-Andre Fleury (whom they acquired from Minnesota at the trade deadline). With players like Evgenii Dadonov, Wyatt Johnston, Radek Faksa, and Esa Lindell providing backup scoring and strong defense, they also have a lot of depth across their roster.
The Stars have all the ingredients to make a deep run in the playoffs and challenge for the Stanley Cup. They are equipped with a strong offensive, a tough defense, a dependable goaltender, and a shrewd coach. The fact that they dominated the Wild in Game 2 and tied the series at one game each gives them confidence and momentum. When they travel to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday night, they will try to seize control of the series.
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