The Stanley Cup Playoffs are all about fresh starts, and the Dallas Stars desperately need one. Limping into the postseason on a seven-game skid and now without top scorer Jason Robertson, the Stars open their first-round series Saturday night against a familiar foe – and a familiar face. Only this time, Mikko Rantanen will be wearing the other jersey.
Despite their recent skid, the Stars remain poised for a deep playoff run, facing off against a Colorado squad just two years removed from a Stanley Cup title. It’s a marquee matchup between Western Conference heavyweights, but for Dallas, the challenge is as much about shaking off a slow start as it is about surviving the playoff-tested Avalanche – again. The Stars knocked out the Avalanche in six games during last season’s second round.
Once a playoff fixture and Cup champion in Colorado, Rantanen now finds himself on the Dallas side after a trade deadline acquisition. It’s a compelling storyline for the 28-year-old winger who’s scored five goals and 13 assists in 20 games for Dallas. Rantanen will play a crucial role for the Stars’ offense as he looks to advance past his former team.
How to watch: Puck drop at 7:30 p.m. from the AAC. Watch on Victory+ and TNT. All playoff games can be heard on The Ticket.
Stars’ key to success rides on Hintz
If the Dallas Stars are going to find their footing in this series, it starts with Roope Hintz. The dynamic center is often the engine of the Stars’ offense, and the numbers back it up – Dallas went an eye-popping 22-3 this season when Hintz found the back of the net. With Robertson injured, the pressure on Hintz to drive play and generate scoring chances becomes even more critical.
Stars shuffle top line with Robertson out
Head coach Pete DeBoer confirmed Friday that Robertson is “week-to-week,” effectively ruling him out for at least the early portion of the first-round series against Colorado. Robertson was injured in a 5-1 loss to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday after a collision along the boards with Michael McCarron.
With Robertson out of the lineup, veteran forward Mikael Granlund skated on the top line during Friday’s practice, joining Hintz and Evgenii Dadonov. The adjustment shifts more offensive responsibility to Hintz, while Granlund brings playmaking experience and versatility as a stopgap.
Dadonov, a favorite of DeBoer’s, has quietly put together a strong season with 20 goals and 20 assists. Now, stepping onto the top line, he’ll be tasked with a much larger role at the most critical time of year.
Robertson had once again been a model of consistency this season, playing in all 82 games for the third year in a row while putting up 35 goals and 45 assists. His absence creates a major void in the Stars’ attack – and comes at a time when Dallas is already looking to find its rhythm, entering the playoffs on a season-worst seven-game winless skid (0-5-2).
Players to watch
Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger
Jake Oettinger was pulled after allowing five goals on 22 shots in Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Predators, capping a rough end to his regular season. The decision to start him in a meaningless finale was questionable, and it did little to break him out of a slump – he’s now winless in his last four starts (0-3-1), giving up 17 goals on 134 shots during that stretch. Despite the late dip, Oettinger finished the season with a strong 36-18-4 record, a 2.59 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage across 58 starts. He’ll be the clear No. 1 as the Stars open their playoff run.
Stars defenseman Thomas Harley
With Miro Heiskanen sidelined, the spotlight on the Stars’ blue line this season quickly shifted to Thomas Harley. The 22-year-old defenseman took a major leap, notching 15 goals and 47 points while also quarterbacking the power-play unit. Harley’s ability to transition the puck and contribute offensively will be critical against Colorado’s high-octane attack. Harley played well for Team Canada in the 4 Nations earlier this year, and how he handles this playoff run could go a long way in determining the series.
Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood
In need of stability in net, the Avalanche acquired Mackenzie Blackwood in December – and he’s delivered. Since arriving from San Jose, Blackwood has gone 22-12-3 in 36 starts, posting a career-best 2.33 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage, numbers that earned him a contract extension. The one thing missing from his resume? Playoff experience. As strong as he’s been, the edge in goal for this series still leans toward Dallas and Jake Oettinger.
Dallas Stars Lineup
Mikael Granlund (64) – Roope Hintz (24) – Evgenii Dadonov (63)
Mason Marchment (27) – Matt Duchene (95) – Tyler Seguin (91)
Jamie Benn (14) – Wyatt Johnston (53) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Oskar Bäck (10) – Sam Steel (18) – Mavrik Bourque (22)
Thomas Harley (55) – Ilya Lyubushkin (46)
Esa Lindell (23) – Cody Ceci (44)
Lian Bichsel (6) – Alex Petrovic (28)
Jake Oettinger (29)
Casey DeSmith (1)
Stars lineup notes: Petrovic rejoined the NHL club ahead of postseason play. The 33-year-old defenseman has spent most of his time with the Texas Stars, but he did play in seven games during last year’s playoff run.
Colorado Avalanche Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Martin Necas (88)
Jonathan Drouin (27) – Brock Nelson (11) – Valeri Nichushkin (13)
Joel Kiviranta (94) – Charlie Coyle (10) – Ross Colton (20)
Parker Kelly (17) – Jack Drury (18) – Logan O’Connor (25)
Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Samuel Girard (49) – Josh Manson (42)
Erik Johnson (6) – Ryan Lindgren (55)
Mackenzie Blackwood (39)
Scott Wedgewood (41)
Avalanche lineup notes: Gabriel Landeskog played his first professional games in nearly three years this past weekend with Colorado’s AHL affiliate, showing encouraging signs in his return. He logged 15 minutes in his debut, then followed it up with a goal and an assist in his second game – all without any issues from his surgically repaired knee. His progress opens the door for a potential return this postseason, where his net-front presence and steady leadership could give the Avalanche a major boost