Stars seek spark against Lightning. Can Dallas' new lines ignite offense and overcome historic dominance in a pivotal matchup?
The Dallas Stars return home searching for answers as they look to snap a frustrating 2-5-4 skid over their last 11 games, but the challenge won’t get any easier with the Tampa Bay Lightning rolling into town. Tampa Bay’s blistering 11-game winning streak came to a surprising halt Friday against the St. Louis Blues, yet the Bolts remain one of the league’s hottest and most battle-tested teams.
Sunday’s clash also rekindles memories of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final, a series remembered as much for its high-level hockey as for its place in a pandemic-altered world.
History favors Tampa Bay, which has won 16 of the last 23 meetings between the clubs, though Dallas has reason for optimism. The Lightning have split their last four trips to the Lone Star State, and the Stars are eager to shake off offensive woes after scoring just three even-strength goals over their past three games.
A statement home win could be exactly what Dallas needs to get the weight off its back and reset its season. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will look to lean on the formula that has served it so well in this matchup, setting the stage for a tight, pivotal contest with plenty of bite on both sides.
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Dallas Stars’ Expected Line Combinations vs. Tampa Bay (Sunday):
Steel - Johnston - Rantanen
Robertson - Hintz - Duchene
Back - Hryckowian - Bourque
Benn - Faksa - Blackwell
Lindell - Heiskanen
Harley - Petrovic
Capobianco - Lundkvist
Oettinger
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