Dallas Stars: Evaluating Opponents In Western Conference Playoff Race

The Pacific Division

While the Dallas Stars are battling with a few different Central Division teams, the Pacific Division is still involved in the race as well.

The Stars have two (maybe three) Pacific clubs that they are still parrying with in the final two weeks of the year.

Here is what those three clubs are taking on over the final 15 days.

Los Angeles Kings

Record: 41-27-7

Points: 89

ROW: 39

Opponents: Edmonton (3/24), Calgary (3/26), Arizona (3/29), Anaheim (3/30), Colorado (4/2), Minnesota (4/5), Dallas (4/7)

It’s hard to see the Kings not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs at this point. They are 4-1-2 in their last seven games and seem to be on a tear. In addition to that, only three of their final seven games are against opponents currently holding a playoff spot. The Avalanche are arguably the most challenging team on their slate, and they had no trouble beating Colorado like a drum on Thursday night.

The Kings are known for making late season pushes and making noise in the playoffs, so watch for them come April.

Anaheim Ducks

Record: 38-24-12

Points: 88

ROW: 34

Opponents: Winnipeg (3/23), Edmonton (3/25), Vancouver (3/27), Los Angeles (3/30), Colorado (4/1), Minnesota (4/4), Dallas (4/6), Arizona (4/7)

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This one is tricky to predict. While the Ducks have won four straight by a combined score of 15-4, their final stretch includes some tough opposition, including the Jets, Kings, Avs, Wild, and potentially Stars.

If Anaheim cannot answer the bell when they reach a tough stretch, Dallas could find a way to slip over them. But if they can keep up their play as of late, they may lock down one of the playoff spots left along with LA. That would prove to be almost fatal to the Stars, considering they will likely need either the Ducks or Kings to drop out entirely.

Calgary Flames

Record: 35-30-10

Points: 80

ROW: 33

Opponents: San Jose (3/24), Los Angeles (3/26), Columbus (3/29), Edmonton (3/31), Arizona (4/3), Winnipeg (4/5), Vegas (4/7)

Though the Flames are still being included in playoff race diagrams, their luck is even worse off than the Stars. They have played more games than most of the teams in front of them and are two whole wins back of the Stars who are just above them. Calgary needs a good amount of help and cannot seem to get things right after dropping four in a row in regulation.

Combine that with them going up against five playoff teams down the stretch and you have what looks to be a recipe for disaster.

Next: Doing The Math In Stars' Uphill Battle To Playoffs

So there you have it. There’s all that the Dallas Stars will need to keep an eye out for over the next two weeks. But first and foremost, they will need to take care of themselves. After going 0-4-2 on their recent road trip, there is no more time to delay. Something has to change and it has to start tonight against a very good Boston Bruins team.

Let’s see if they have anything left in the tank.