Dallas Stars Meet Up With Tough Divisional Opponent In Blues
After a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night, the Dallas Stars are back in action just 24 hours later, clashing with Central Division foe, the St. Louis Blues.
On Saturday night, the Dallas Stars hit the ice for the second evening of back-to-back game nights, already the fourth time they’ve consecutive games this season.
The first match-up went just fine for the Stars, as they defeated the visiting Philadelphia Flyers, 3-1.
Tonight, the Stars have a tougher opponent and a division-rivalry game, clashing with the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center.
Puck drop is at 7:00. Saturday’s game will be broadcasted on Fox Sports Southwest Plus (FSSW+), and the radio call is 1310 AM/96.7 FM The Ticket.
Records and Scores
The Dallas Stars come into Saturday’s game with the best record in all of hockey, at 22-5-2. Their 46 points not only have them atop both the Central Division and the entire NHL, but also is their best start in franchise history.
The St. Louis Blues, with a 16-9-4 record, are behind the Dallas Stars, and are in second place in the Central Division. While their 36 points is impressive, that is still 10 points behind the Stars for first place in the toughest division in hockey.
Storylines
Central Division, Central Focus
The Dallas Stars struggled heavily last season against divisional opponents. Now, the Central Division is the best in all of hockey, filled with stacked teams from top to bottom.
However, the frequent losses to these Central foes last year cost the Stars of a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. It’s a new season, however, and most definitely a new team in Dallas, but their focus on beating divisional opponents should not change. Heading into tonight, the Stars are 3-1 this season against Central Division rivals.
Quick Trip
After two straight home games in Dallas, the Stars meet the Blues Saturday in St. Louis. But following tonight’s game, the Stars’ next three match-ups are back at the American Airlines Center. It’s a very short road trip for Dallas, but an extremely important one.
Same Opponent, Different Results
Both teams’ last game was against the Philadelphia Flyers. While the Stars beat Philly 3-1 on Friday, the Blues fell short to the orange and black, losing 4-2 on Thursday night.
However, Dallas did have the privilege of playing the Flyers on an evening where they traveled the previous night. Either way, the Blues now have that advantage over the Stars Saturday night, as St. Louis was off on Friday.
Injury Report
Johnny Oduya left Friday night’s game for a brief time after being hit in the face with a puck, but came back the next shift. Hockey players, man. That’s the closest the Stars came to injury, as they are healthy as of now.
For St. Louis, Center Jaden Schwartz is out tonight with an ankle injury. Also, former Dallas Star Steve Ott is out tonight as well, due to a hamstring injury.
Projected Lines
Dallas Stars
Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Valeri Nichushkin
Mattias Janmark – Jason Spezza – Patrick Eaves
Antoine Roussel – Cody Eakin – Patrick Sharp
Colton Sceviour – Vernon Fiddler – Ales Hemsky
Alex Goligoski – John Klingberg
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- Dallas Stars look to continue success today against the Maple Leafs
St. Louis Blues
Magnus Paajarvi – Paul Stastny – Vladimir Tarasenko
Alex Steen – David Backes – Troy Brouwer
Robby Fabbri – Jori Lehtera – Dmitrij Jaskin
Scottie Upshall – Kyle Brodziak – Ryan Reaves
Jay Bouwmeester – Alex Pietrangelo
Petteri Lindbohm – Kevin Shattenkirk
Carl Gunnarsson – Colton Parayko
Prediction
The Stars will be tired, as they had to play last night and had to travel to St. Louis late. The Blues are a very good team, and by far one of the best opponents that the Stars will face all year.
But despite both of those things, I like Dallas winning this one. All Central Division games are important, especially ones like tonight.
Next: Dallas Stars Still Most Focus On Division Games
I see the Dallas Stars rising up to the occasion and winning 4-2.