April 8, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars center Vernon Fiddler (38) and goalie Jhonas Enroth (1) celebrate the 4-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks following the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight the Dallas Stars will conclude their 82-game regular season with a home matchup against the Nashville Predators. There will be no playoffs for the Stars this season but they will assuredly put on one last show for their fans this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm CST and can be caught on FS-SW.
Records and Scores
For the sixth time in seven seasons the Dallas Stars will miss the playoffs. They returned for the first time in six seasons last year only to be ousted in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks. The Stars sport a very respectable 40-31-10 record (91 points) on the season. They have won seven of their past ten games and will hope to end the regular season with a positive home record. (16-16-8).
The Nashville Predators have been a pleasant surprise for their fans thus far this season. The Predators are third in the Western conference with a record of 47-24-10 (104 points) and boast one of the league’s most impressive rookies in Filip Forsberg (25 goals, 37 assists, 62 points). They have sputtered down the stretch only winning four of their past ten games but will look to end the regular season on a high note with a victory over the Stars.
Storylines
Fan Appreciation Night
Tonight will mark the Stars last home game of the year as well as their fan appreciation night. Although many fans are disappointed about the end result of the 2014-2015 season, they cannot complain about the season lacking any entertainment. The Stars are first in the Western conference and second in the league in goal scoring with an average of 3.12 per game this season. Unfortunately, the Stars are also second to last in the league in goals allowed per game at 3.16. A lot of goals were scored this season and a lot of cheers were heard. Tonight should be no different as the high-flying Stars conclude their roller coaster ride with one final corkscrew.
The Hart of the Dallas Stars, Jamie Benn
A Dallas Star has the chance to make franchise history tonight when he steps onto the ice at American Airlines Centre. Jamie Benn has the chance to become the Stars’ franchise first Art Ross Trophy winner. The trophy is awarded to the player who scores the most points during the regular season. Benn currently sits tied with Islanders captain John Tavares and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby at 83 points. If the race is to end in a tie, the trophy would be awarded to the player who scored the most goals. Benn currently has 32, Tavares 36, and Crosby 28. For Benn to win the Art Ross Trophy he will most likely have to beat out Tavares straight up in points. Goodluck Jamie! We’re all cheering for ya!
UPDATE: John Tavares scored a goal last night to climb one point ahead of Benn. Crosby was also credited with an assist last night. The Art Ross Trophy race now reads Tavares 84, Crosby 84, Benn 83.
Injury Report
The Dallas Stars are completely healthy and are expected to ice the same lineup that led them to a 4-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday evening. Some players are experiencing some late season bumps and bruises and may choose to sit out tonight’s final contest.
The Nashville Predators currently have forwards Mike Fischer (Lower Body) and Calle Jarnkrok (Illness) listed as day to day along with defenceman Cody Franson (Upper-Body). Former Star Eric Nystrom is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with a lower-body injury. Just like the Stars, the Predators may choose to scratch some of their top players in an effort to get them some rest.
Lineup Projections
Dallas Stars
Jamie Benn- Tyler Seguin- Patrick Eaves
Ales Hemsky- Jason Spezza- Valeri Nichushkin
Antoine Roussel- Cody Eakin- Ryan Garbutt
Shawn Horcoff- Vernon Fiddler- Colton Sceviour
Alex Goligoski- John Klingberg
Trevor Daley- Patrik Nemeth
Jordie Benn- Jason Demers
Jhonas Enroth
Kari Lehtonen
Nashville Predators
Filip Forsberg- Mike Ribeiro- James Neal
Colin Wilson- Mike Santorelli- Craig Smith
Matt Cullen- Calle Jarnkrok- Viktor Stalberg
Gabriel Bourque- Paul Gaustad- Taylor Beck
Roman Josi- Shea Weber
Mattias Ekholm- Seth Jones
Ryan Ellis- Cody Franson
Pekka Rinne
Carter Hutton
Prediction
I predict the Dallas Stars will continue to play good hockey as they have been for the past 6-8 weeks. They will come out and send their fans home with hope for next season with a 4-2 win. Unfortunately, Jamie Benn will not capture the Art Ross Trophy and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins will with 86 points.
Thanks to all the Blackout Dallas fans for following along this season. It has been a hell of a ride with the Stars and we look forward to bringing you up-to-date news regarding an exciting offseason for the club. Although the team did not meet expectations this season, we should remain optimistic about the potential we’ve seen glimpses of. This season has served as an extremely important learning lesson for everyone involved and we can all look forward to an exciting 2015-2016 season. Believe me when I say this, the Dallas Stars are not far from greatness!
Adios amigos!