Apr 25, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center R.J. Umberger (18) celebrates his goal against Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

the Dallas Stars have failed to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

It couldn’t have been a worse start for Dallas, as Columbus got on the scoreboard with just 19 seconds on the clock. Cam Atkinson took advantage of some poor defending and slammed home a rebound from close range.

In a period that seriously lacked any offense for the Stars, Eric Nystrom provided the only bright spark as he and Dalton Prout dropped the gloves in an impressive tilt midway through the frame.

Despite a late period surge form Dallas, the first period finished with the Blue Jackets leading 1-0. Columbus also lead in shots 13-9, with Kari Lehtonen playing well to keep the Stars within a goal.

Both teams exchanged decent chances early in the second, but both goaltenders stood strong.

The Stars went on the powerplay midway through the period and took advantage of having the extra man on ice when Jamie Benn tallyied his 12th of the season. He received a lovely pass from Erik Cole, and comfortably scored past Bobrovsky.

The second frame was a physical one, with both teams throwing big hits as well as a second fight of the game, this time between Lane Macdermid and Jared Boll. Dallas lead the shots 15-10 but the score was nicely poised at 1-1 heading into the final period.

Both teams knew scoring the first goal in that final frame would be a massive advantage. It was Columbus who did just that, with Mark Letestu firing an impressive slapshot past Kari Lehtonen on the powerplay.

With just under two minutes left in the game, the Blue Jackets sealed the two points when Cam Atkinson bagged his second goal of the night in similar fashion to his first.

It is obviously disappointing that playoff hockey will not be coming to Dallas again this season. However, seeing as the Stars lost a lot of their offense at the trade deadline, credit has to be given to Dallas for keeping even the most unlikely playoff chances alive until the penultimate game of the season. This young group has a lot of passion and desire, so hopefully a better 2013/14 campaign looms.

The final game of the season for Dallas is on Saturday night when they host the Detroit Red Wings. With a victory, the Stars could prevent their rivals from making the post season.

Feb 26, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Derek Dorsett (15) looks for an open teammate during the game against the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Stars return to American Airlines Center tonight to usher in the end of the regular season on home ice.

Despite Tuesday’s loss to San Jose, and Detroit’s victory over Los Angeles last night, the Stars aren’t necessarily out of the running for the playoffs just yet. A victory over Columbus tonight is a must for the Stars, and even then, the cards will have to continue to fall in Dallas’ favor for the rest of the week. Detroit would have to lose to Nashville tonight, as would the Blue Jackets on Saturday, and Dallas would have to take two points in regulation in both games. Likely? Not at all. But, stranger things have happened.

The teams have split the winnings thus far this season with Columbus taking the first of three games with a 2-1 victory back in January. The Stars took February’s meeting with a 5-4 final score. Tonight’s game presents the Stars with home-ice advantage against the Blue Jackets for the first time this season. American Airlines Center hasn’t necessarily been a bastion of opportunity for the Stars through most of the season, but Dallas has gone 3-1 in the four games played at American Airlines Center this month.

While victory for the Stars could mean winding up in eighth place, victory for the Blue Jackets means taking that final playoff spot back from the Red Wings.

The teams aren’t that different statistically, leading to what is sure to already be an intense and highly energetic matchup. Both teams have 22 wins on the board for the season, but the Blue Jackets have fared much more favorably in overtime situations than the Stars, giving Columbus the three points it holds over Dallas. The Blue Jackets have struggled on the power play, sitting at 12.8 percent, 4.2 percent behind the Stars, but outperform Dallas on the penalty kill 83 to 81.3 percent respectively. Columbus averages 26.1 shots per game, while Dallas averages 26.3, and the Blue Jackets average 30.1 shots allowed per game while the Stars allow 30.8. No matter which way you cut it, tonight’s battle is going to be an entertaining game.

And with playoffs on the line, there are sure to be at least a few gloves dropped.

Tonight’s puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest Plus.