The Stars Are Under Pressure to Win in the Playoffs
One final game remains for the Dallas Stars before they embark on one of the most challenging gauntlets in sports.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin this weekend, bringing 4-28 games of chaos, elation, and desperation.
The Minnesota Wild are on their way to Texas again. Winning is a necessity for both teams, as the stakes for each franchise are astronomical.
Both teams must win this series to continue on in a vastly different playoff picture.
All 16 teams are set in stone, but their matchups aren’t. New blood looks to make its mark on grizzled veteran teams.
These playoffs are anything but normal, starting this weekend.
New Blood in the Game
The Buffalo Sabres are competing in the playoffs for the first time since 2010, the longest absence in NHL history at 16 years. Not only are they in, but they are the Atlantic Division champions. The Philadelphia Flyers are back after a lengthy drought. They will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the First Round. The Anaheim Ducks will finally compete in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The Utah Mammoth have clinched a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history. Their previous franchise history with the Arizona Coyotes did not travel with them during their relocation to Salt Lake City. The Edmonton Oilers still have a chance to win their first division title since 1987. One matchup will have all eyes on it.
Stars/Wild Again
The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars will play their 3rd series against each other, with the Stars winning the first two. Playoff schedules will be released later this week, as each team starts this weekend or Monday. Both teams could not possibly be under more pressure to win. The Wild are 0-8 in the opening rounds over the last 10 seasons. This may end up as the last dance for several on their roster. 38-year-olds Nick Foligno, Mats Zuccarello, and Jeff Petry are in the twilight of their career.
Many Wild players are free agents after these playoffs. Their cap space will take a hit after Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million AAV contract kicks in next season. This is the time for them. They cannot afford a 9th consecutive opening round series loss. They’ll look to bury the Stars, who are looking for more.
Stars Must Win
Three consecutive Conference Final losses will dampen any team’s mood. This team is geared up for a long playoff run, looking to traverse past the Western Conference Final. The American Airlines Center has still never hosted a game in the Stanley Cup Final. This is their 27th year removed from winning the Stanley Cup. The Stars and Wild are expected to have a great series.
This series is one that the Stars really need to have.
A first-round exit after their recent deep playoff runs will make for an interesting offseason. The bare minimum of their expectations is winning the opening round.
27 years without a Stanley Cup will keep adding pressure to the team. The Golden Era of Stars hockey ended long ago with their runs in the 90s and 2000s.
This Resurgence Era needs one big kick before entering a new Golden Era.
Four Western Conference Final appearances in this decade with zero Stanley Cups cannot continue.
Their championship window remains open, but they cannot let it close without winning a title.
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