If you thought that the Florida Panthers were a tough Eastern Conference team to play, wait until you see today’s opponent. The red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins riding a 10 game winning streak arrive in Dallas to take on the Dallas Stars. This will be a really interesting matchup due to Jake Oettinger starting and the Stars still trying to get their footing after the COVID break. Here’s how the Stars can beat the Penguins and end their winning streak.
Dallas Stars vs Pittsburgh Penguins: 3. Stop taking penalties
The Dallas Stars allowed the Florida Panthers to stay in the game by committing stupid penalties and allowing them to score on the power play. You do not want to do that against the Penguins to do that. I know they have only converted 17 power plays goals this season, but it’s a risk that you don’t want to take while still getting your footing after a 17 game break.
Dallas Stars vs Pittsburgh Penguins: 2. Help out Oettinger
I don’t want to see players standing around on defense and allowing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to score goals at will on Jake Oettinger. One of the last things I want to see is Jake Oettinger lose some of his mojo that keeps Stars in games late. The best thing the Star’s defenseman can do is check them into the boards and clear the Dallas zone.
Dallas Stars vs Pittsburgh Penguins: 1. Do not settle for one goal
I do not want to see this young Stars team score one goal tomorrow and then stop scoring. I liked what I saw from the Stars when the Panthers kept taking the lead on Thursday night. They kept clawing back into the game and eventually forced OT and won in the shootout. I would like to see the Stars score at will tomorrow to start the game and pad a big enough lead in case this experienced Penguins team tries to come back in the 3rd period.