When the Dallas Stars lost 4-0 on their home ice to go down 3-0 in the Western Conference Finals and saw their captain get suspended for 2 games, few people would’ve expected the series to last much longer. Instead, the Stars won Game 4 in OT and then went on the road and thoroughly dominated the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5. After winning 4-2 on the road, they’re back at home to try and force Game 7 tomorrow night. The key has been the offense. Since being shutout in Game 3, they’ve scored 7 goals in 2 games. Leftwinger Jason Robertson has led the charge, scoring 3 goals in 2 games without Jamie Benn on the ice. Goalie Jake Oettinger has also stepped up when his team has needed him most. After giving up 3 or more goals in each of the first 3 games of this series, he’s given up just 4 goals in the last two games.
The pressure now shifts back to Vegas. After going up 3-0, the last thing they’ll want to face is a do-or-die Game 7. However, Jamie Benn will be back on the ice and that Dallas crowd will be electric. Of course, the key for both teams will be starting off on the right foot. While this is true in every playoff game, with so much on the line, every shot, penalty, and miscue is magnified. We believed that this series would come down to the wire, and the Stars proved how good they are and how mentally tough they are just by winning the last two games.
Game 6 should be a fun one!