Utah came away with losses in both of its matchups against Dallas despite being at home for both. Can Utah change the script now that its the road team?
With an upcoming matchup against Dallas looming, Utah will look to make its mark on the season series.
In its last two matchups against the Stars, Utah has lost by only one goal with it losing 2-1 on Dec. 2 and 3-2 on Dec. 23. In both games, it is clear that Utah lost it in the second period with Dallas outscoring Utah 4-0 across both games.
With this advantage, Dallas was able to create sizable leads like its 2-0 advantage on Dec. 2 and a 3-1 advantage on Dec. 23.
The second period has been an issue for Utah all season with it being outscored by 15 goals in the second period. While Utah having a +10 goal advantage in the first period is good, it will need to play a complete game if it wants to win against Dallas.
It isn't as if Utah wouldn't be able to rally for a comeback it needed like its game against the Canucks back in December. But relying on winning the game down the stretch is unreliable, especially against a Dallas team that is good as it is defensively, a third period comeback is a lot easier said than done.
On defense, the Stars only allow 2.51 goals per game, 2nd in the league, and boasts a .909 save percentage that is 5th in the league. On top of that, it has allowed the third fewest shot attempts and the lowest amount of goals.
Against Dallas, Utah can't afford to fall into big holes like its previous two games. Dallas is too good defensively to try and comeback against. Instead, Utah needs to focus on finding ways to keep it close.
While facing a suffocating defense like Dallas, Utah will not only need to stay strong on defense, but it will need to maintain long periods of offensive pressure.
Part of the reason Dallas was able to come out with a 3-1 advantage the last time it faced was because Utah just simply wasn't able to get enough shots on the goal. It looks as though Utah just narrowly lost the shot on goal battle 29-26 in that game, but the reality is that Utah was outshot 20-11 with it starting midway through the second period.
Along with that, Utah had 18 giveaways that allowed for Dallas to both capitalize on preventing Utah to really create consistent pressure in its offensive zone.
With the game to likely be a low-scoring affair, Utah can't afford to give Dallas free opportunities on offense. Allowing the Stars's defense to create offensive opportunities will allow it to play into its strength.
But what do you think about this upcoming game? Will Utah be able to find the proper spacing against this Stars team? Can Utah win in a gritty defensive battle against Dallas? Let me know down below!
Look to catch the game later tonight with face off happening at 6 p.m. MT.