Dallas Stars: Examining Their First Round Matchup Against Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 7: Fans congratulate Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators on his overtime game winning goal against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena on February 7, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Other Potential Factors

In addition to the primary factors that every hockey fan thinks about (offense, defense, goaltending, etc.), there are also the potential outlying factors that could play a part in the series. Let’s look at them right quick.

Attendance/Fan Engagement

The Stars posted an average home game attendance of 18,178 this season, meaning that the AAC was 98.1 percent full on average. It was another steady year for the Stars in the attendance department.

Meanwhile, the Predators averaged 17,446 fans per game, putting their average fill rate at 101.9 percent.

The playoffs are a different animal, though. Predators fans are known for getting remarkably loud at Bridgestone Arena, especially during the postseason. On the other hand, Stars fans haven’t tasted playoff hockey in three years and will likely be out in full force for this run. And if it’s anything like the atmospheres from the 2014 and 2016 playoffs, the stands could play just as big of a role in determining the series as the players on the ice.

"“You could sense it. They were loud and the energy was great. I can’t wait until we have our first home game, but two games in Nashville first. When we come home, we know it’s going to be a zoo here.” – Jim Montgomery on the AAC atmosphere"

ADVANTAGE: PREDATORS

But it’s very, very, very close. Not to mention that the road team won four of the five meetings between the two clubs during the regular season.

Postseason Experience

This could end up serving as the biggest disadvantage for the Dallas Stars in their opening round series.

The Stars will take part in their first playoff series since May 2016 on Wednesday night. And if they use the same lineup that they have in practice for the past two days, there will be seven skaters playing in their first Stanley Cup Playoffs game (eight if Khudobin gets the nod, considering he has never started in a playoff game).

Meanwhile, the Predators are on their fifth consecutive trip to the postseason. Their lineup is well-versed with playoff hockey and that could end up playing into their favor.

“Playoffs are a different story and we need to be ready,” said Stars defenseman Roman Polak after game 82. “I don’t know how many in here have actually played in the playoffs because it’s been a long time for them. So, hopefully they are going to enjoy it and are going to be ready.”

ADVANTAGE: NASHVILLE

When you comb through all of the analytics and intangibles, it’s clear that this matchup has the potential to be the most entertaining and grueling series in the first round of the 2019 postseason.

The two teams are remarkably similar in their approach and attack, though each team owns certain advantages in different categories. It’s shaping up to be an intense battle that might even go the distance to a game seven in Nashville. And if that happens, we’ll know one thing: there were six contests of great hockey action that got them to that point.

Next. All Set: Stars-Predators First Round Schedule, Rundown. dark

The stage is set for a raucous and rowdy series filled with big hits, amazing saves, close wins, bad blood, and a battle for Central division supremacy in the south.

Wednesday night can’t get here soon enough.

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