Dallas Stars: What To Watch For In Matchup vs. Predators

The Music City will play host to the Dallas Stars tonight as they square off with the Nashville Predators. It’s the second half of a back-to-back for Dallas and offers them a chance at a fourth straight win. But, it won’t be easy.

There’s always a certain element of entertainment that arises when the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators meet up.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that they are both non-traditional markets from the south. Or perhaps it’s the deep Central division ties. Maybe it’s simply a mutual dislike that has grown over the years as the two teams have been pitted in an everlasting struggle in the race to the postseason.

Regardless of the cause, it’s two teams that have been pushing to make a name for themselves in the NHL over the past few years. Both are currently sitting in a playoff position, could face off against each other in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and have a date on the NHL’s biggest stage set for New Year’s Day when the 2020 Winter Classic comes to the Cotton Bowl in downtown Dallas.

On Saturday night, they will insert another chapter into their budding rivalry as the Stars head to Nashville to take on the Predators.

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This is an interesting test for the Dallas Stars. For one, it’s the first of three meetings against the Nashville Predators over the next 18 days. The Stars and Predators were both in action last night, with both teams securing wins. Dallas defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-1 at the AAC while Nashville knocked off the Florida Panthers 4-1 in Sunrise.

The Stars’ victory in particular was a big one because it pushed them back into third place in the Central and wrapped their homestand up on a high note.

On Saturday night, these two teams will converge at Bridgestone Arena, each with a three-game win streak on the line.

Dallas is 1-0-1 against Nashville this season, while the Predators sit at a 1-1-0 mark.

The Stars could use a win to continue building momentum in the early part of their February campaign. It could also help them gain ground on the Predators for second place in the division. But, as it always seems to happen when these two teams meet up, it won’t be an easy task and there will be plenty of fireworks.

So, here are three things to watch for in Saturday night’s game.

Playing on tired legs

The Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators both played on Friday night. And though they both secured wins and had to endure travel, the Predators have the advantage simply because they will be on home ice.

As a result, it will be up to the Stars to find a way to weather the storm and play their game to the best of their ability.

“It’s tough,” said Denis Gurianov following Friday night’s game. “Two straight games and [four] days with three games. So, guys get some rest so I think we’re ready to go. We’ll get some rest tonight and be ready for tomorrow.”

Will Dobby run the show again?

On Dec. 27, 2018, the Dallas Stars opened up post-Christmas play with a 2-0 win against the Predators in Nashville. And while Tyler Pitlick and Mattias Janmark scored goals to put Dallas in front, the primary catalyst in the Dallas victory was the play of goaltender Anton Khudobin.

Behind a masterful 49-save shutout that rewrote the history books for both franchises, Khudobin led the charge as Dallas broke the Nashville attack down and countered when they could.

Khudobin will be in net tonight as the Stars head back to Bridgestone Arena for the first time since December. It’s his first time starting in over two weeks and he hasn’t won a start since Jan. 4 against the Washington Capitals.

Next. What Is In Store For The Stars In February 2019?. dark

It’s a critical divisional game to shift a tough February slate into motion for the Dallas Stars. We’ll see how they respond.

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