“Fatigue and [an] emotional letdown” were at play in the last half of last night’s loss, Pete DeBoer says.
It’s been a slightly bumpy transition from knocking off the 2023 Stanley Cup champions to going after the 2024 Central Division banner. You might be a little worried about the Dallas Stars, but the Dallas Stars aren’t particularly worried about themselves.
Last night’s overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche signals an adjustment that the Stars have had very little time to make. But NHL.com’s Tracey Myers reminds everyone that the Stars are pretty good at overcoming a Game 1 loss – as long as they pace themselves:
Stars coach Pete DeBoer expected “some fatigue and a little bit of an emotional letdown” after their dramatic 2-1 win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 of their first-round series here on Sunday.
“I was actually surprised at how sharp we were to start, but it did hit us in the middle part of that game,” he said.
Now the team wants to take a home win on the road:
“We want to split here,” [forward Matt] Duchene said. “We’re a great road team and if we put ourselves in a position to go to Denver 1-1, I think that gives us a good chance. We’re confident on the road. We’re good there.
“They’re great at home, but you have to have it here next game. I think Game 2 against Vegas we were probably the better team and didn’t get the result. But we have to make sure we get it next game.”
You can read the rest at the big site. [NHL]
Stars Stuff
Friends o’ DBD Sean Shapiro and David Castillo offer their quick takes on Round 2, Game 1.
It’s a dirty job, but someone gets to do it: Robert Tiffin rates the hate-ability of just about every player on the Avs roster. [Stars Thoughts]
Ross Colton is basically Craig Smith for overpaying losers like the Avalanche. He’s the sort of dude that hits a vulnerable defenseman to knock him out of the game right before cross-checking someone in the face. Not that I’m generalizing or anything.
– Robert Tiffin, getting into the corners
The Story So Far – Round 2
- The Boston Bruins set the pace with a 5-1 Game 1 win against the Florida Panthers on Monday night. [Stanley Cup Of Chowder]
- It took two overtime periods, but the New York Rangers took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. [NHL]
By the way, this is where everyone got that one still frame of Jacob Trouba flying headfirst into the glass that you’ve been seeing everywhere.
Around The Leagues
The San Jose Sharks are the lucky winners of the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery, and Macklin Celebrini is looking for a home in Silicon Valley as we speak, probably.
Meanwhile, Salt Lake City NHL Franchise is looking for a new and catchier name.
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park – And Beautiful Boise
Hey, it turns out you can still get a Stars hockey fix tonight! Texas has taken its two-game series lead on the road.
Elsewhere, the Idaho Steelheads will take home ice in a tied Mountain Division series.
Finally
Remember: No matter what else happens, you can wake up every morning and smile knowing you’re not a Blackhawks fan. Enjoy.