The Dallas Stars could potentially be on their way to another Western Conference Final appearance as they currently lead their second round series 3-1 over the Jets. The Stars kicked off their series on the right foot with a Game 1 win, something they haven't done since 2020. Dallas will aim to close the door on the series as they will take on the Jets on Thursday in Winnipeg.
The Dallas Stars have displayed some exciting playoff magic thus far through their first 11 playoff games. Thursday night will present another chance to put that playoff magic on display as they look to seal the series with a clinching win in Winnipeg. The Stars were able to steal a win on the road early on in Game 1. The raucous crowd in Winnipeg will not pose as big of an obstacle this time around, with the series hanging in the balance for the home team.
Jake Oettinger Continues To Make His Case For Conn Smythe
The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars">Dallas Stars</a> currently stand on the verge of moving on to the Western Conference Final for the third straight season. Along with receiving clutch scoring, Dallas have recipients of some stellar goal tending from Jake Oettinger. Not only has Oettinger closed the door in the closing minutes of recent playoff games, his performance will certainly put him in the Conn Smythe candidacy conversation.
Along with some downhill momentum, the Stars are receiving Conn Smythe level performances from Mikko Rantanen, and Jake Oettinger. Rantanen currently leads all players in points (19), while Oettinger ranks 3rd among playoff goaltenders in save percentage (.917). Dallas will once again call upon their one-two punch with a chance to clinch the series early. Dallas will look towards their top blueliners in Miro Hieskanen and Thomas Harley to control the chaos in front of their net, as the Jets will be in full-blown panic mode.
Stars Doing Enough to Keep Hellebuyck Off His Game
The results for Connor Hellebuyck have not been as cataclysmic as the opening round against the St. Louis Blues, but the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars">Dallas Stars</a> are doing enough to keep the likely Vezina Trophy winner from finding his stride.
The Dallas defense will zero in on Kyle Connor, who currently leads the team in goals and points. While on the other side of the ice, Dallas will continue to swamp the net and shake the already shaky boat that Connor Hellebucyk has been riding throughout the playoffs. The game could ultimately come down to who can control the puck, as well as their discipline to stay out of the penalty box.
Puck drop is set for 8:30pm CDT, and can be viewed TNT.