Dallas Stars: Things To Watch In Second Round Against St. Louis Blues

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DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 22: Ben Bishop #30 of the Dallas Stars celebrates the game winning goal in overtime of Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 22, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. The Stars beat the Nashville Predators to advance to the next round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Crease Battle: The Veteran vs. The New Guy

When you think of the turnarounds that both the Stars and Blues put together in the second half of the regular season, there is a similar catalyst between the two: goaltending.

For the Blues, it was Jordan Binnington. The rookie goaltender was called up in early mid-December by the Blues and, after some more struggles in the crease to enter the New Year, was given the reins in mid-January. What followed was an unparalleled performance that turned Binnington into a finalist for the Calder Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s top rookie).

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Binnington went 24-5-1 in 32 games played with St. Louis, posting a .927 save percentage, 1.89 goals against average, and 5 shutouts along the way. He provided the fuel for what turned into an 11-game win streak for the Blues that started near the All-Star Break and ended in late February. He served as a confident no. 1 starter for St. Louis during their run to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars leaned heavily on the services of Ben Bishop down the stretch. Luckily for them, the 32-year-old goaltender didn’t disappoint. Bishop turned in a 27-15-2 record along with a superb .934 save percentage, 1.98 goals against average, and 7 shutouts. All of those numbers are career-highs for Bishop and earned him a nomination for the Vezina Trophy (awarded annually to the NHL’s top goalie).

Neither of these goalies let up in the first round, either. Both went 4-2-0 in the crease, rallied from a bad start, and turned in impressive numbers (Binnington: .908 SV%, 2.63 GAA / Bishop: .945 SV%, 1.90 GAA) as they led their respective clubs to round two.

So, it’s clear that these two teams are built on sturdy and reliable goaltending. It’s the main storyline going into this second-round series and looks as though it may play a prime role in which team comes out on top.

And that’s where it could become a battle of experience. Bishop helped carry the 2015 Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final and has been a part of three playoff runs. Meanwhile, Binnington is in his first postseason push.

But through one round of action, both goalies look focused and determined. And, considering the reliance put on their shoulders by both teams, they will have to keep it up. One slip-up by either could decide the series, so keep an eye on the two creases as this thing gets underway.

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