The Dallas Stars are on the cusp of a big series win. And it’s about time, write Sean Shapiro and David Castillo.
What a difference a day, or a week, or three wins in a row make! The Dallas Stars have their first series lead and a chance to close the deal in Las Vegas this weekend. And it’s about time the better team determined the course of the series, write Sean Shapiro and David Castillo.
These friends o’ DBD expanded D Magazine‘s excellent Stars coverage with a new edition of “What We Saw, What It Felt Like.” As Sean wrote:
Vegas got its power-play goal early. Dallas cashed in with its vital response later. In between, the Stars did a nice job limiting the Golden Knights from generating much of anything offensively, finishing with a 7-5 edge in high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. That was enough to notch their third consecutive victory and flip the series on its head. Finally, a team won a game on home ice. That’s the natural order of things in playoff hockey. So, too, is the top overall seed finally taking control of this first-round matchup.
David sounds a note of reasonable caution, but he too has noted the change in the air:
The asterisk, of course, is that Vegas has one game to change the narrative. Then all bets—all narratives, for that matter—are off. But it certainly doesn’t feel like the potential outcome when Thomas Harley is winning a one-on-one battle with Jack Eichel behind the net and Logan Stankoven is intercepting Vegas passes in the neutral zone and Jamie Benn continuing to deliver his bruising style as the captain of the team. For all the weapons the Golden Knights added at the deadline, they’re looking outgunned by a team that only needed one (Chris Tanev, of course).
You can read it all at StrongSide. [D Magazine]
And while you’re clicking around, be sure to read Taylor’s Game 5 recap at NHL.com.
Stars Stuff
Robert Tiffin has so many thoughts on the penalty that ultimately let the Stars close the deal.
Of course, it never hurts to get help like this.
Now this is the kind of wholesome content we’re all here for.
And Josh Bogorad brought some history.
The Story So Far – Round 1
- The Edmonton Oilers finally kill their first-round exit curse with a Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, 4-3. [NHL]
With only three series remaining to be decided, here’s what the Game 6 schedule looks like:
- Thursday: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins, 7 PM CT, TBS / MAX / NESN / CBC
- Friday: Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks, 6 PM CT, TNT / TRU / MAX / BSSO
- Friday: Dallas Stars @ Vegas Golden Knights, 9 PM CT, TNT / TRU / MAX / BSSW
Around The Leagues
So, about that five-minute major that wasn’t…Bruce LeVine is out there asking the important questions (and getting correct yet infuriating answers).
Subpar refereeing is always a bit of a mantra in the NHL, but this year’s playoffs seem, well, especially fraught. The Hockey News takes on the David Rittich non-call and more.
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park – And Beautiful Boise
The Texas Stars take on the Milwaukee Admirals at home tonight. Are you watching?
IT’S HAPPENING
If you’re in the area, you may like to know that the Idaho Steelheads are getting their watch party on for the Mountain Division Finals. (Or you may just like to know it anyway.)
Finally
This is what happens when your team is a combo plate of Dads and Grads. May it ever continue.