dailyloe.com – The Dallas Stars host the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round on Saturday. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Both teams seek to advance their playoff ambitions in this opening matchup. The series is expected to be a close battle between two strong teams.
The Stars aim to reach the Stanley Cup Final after three straight Western Conference Final exits. The Wild want to win a playoff series for the first time since 2015. Minnesota has eight consecutive first-round exits in the past ten seasons. Both teams must go through each other to gain traction toward their June goals.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan discussed his team’s playoff mindset. He said he senses a commitment from his group to push further. Gulutzan stated it is rare to succeed the first time in the playoffs. He emphasized the need to keep learning and trying to eventually break through.
The Stars and Wild have been close in the standings all season. They occupied second and third place in the Central Division since November 21. They jockeyed for position behind the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the regular season. Both teams are among eight that finished with 100 or more points this year.
Stars forward Wyatt Johnston commented on the matchup. He called it a battle of two really, really good teams. Johnston noted the standings show these are two of the better teams in the League. He said this playoff opportunity is what you play for the whole regular season.
The regular-season series between the teams was evenly split. Each team won two of the four games they played. All victories occurred on home ice for each respective club. The series included a pair of games played in the final stretch of the season.
Key players are set to be available for Game 1. Miro Heiskanen is in the Dallas lineup for the contest. Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury is OK to play after an illness. Their availability adds to the anticipated competitiveness of the opening game.[]
Source: NHL.com
