The last 10 games were kind to the Dallas Stars, going 6-2-2.
The playoff race is now between the Stars and Nashville Predators, with each team having good odds.
The Chicago Blackhawks are now out of it, thanks to them giving up 5 points to the Predators this week. It’s now all hands on deck for the Stars as they are four points back with three games-in-hand.
Their remaining schedule is not easy, but they control their destiny. This is the final push for a playoff spot.
The Predators have fewer games remaining than the Stars, so that games-in-hand is the difference-maker.
The entire season relies on the May 1st meeting between these two teams in Nashville – that game is for sure a must-win in regulation for the Stars.
Photo: Dallas StarsThe Stars’ schedule is not much easier because they go on the road for the final seven games of the regular season. That road trip includes three more away games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The next game against the Detroit Red Wings is crucial after getting shellacked by them, 7-3, last time around.
Time is running out, and the Stars still have ground to make up. Their current playoff odds are 43.6%, according to Money Puck.
A win in regulation against the Red Wings tomorrow puts that number at 51.31%. It’s crunch time on the season, and the Stars must hunker down because each game has such a massive swing based on the result.
Jason Robertson is looking good in the Calder Trophy race as he keeps racking up points on the regular. The line of Robertson-Joe Pavelski-Roope Hintz is proving astronomical in the points department. Pavelski needs one more goal to eclipse last season’s leading scorer Denis Gurianov in about 15 games less.
The Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes all qualify for the playoffs. One of these eastern teams gets a Central Division Champions banner in their arena because none of the three western teams will catch them. It’s 4th or nothing for the Stars.
The Stars have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs, unlike last month where they chased behind the pack. Their recent run catapults them into hopes for the 4th and final spot in the Central.
The team needs everyone going, including the above-mentioned 1st line.
Featured Image: Dallas Stars
