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Dallas Stars are in a DEFCON 1 situation against the Blackhawks

By Brian Sweet |
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars attend the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook at FLA Live Arena on February 03, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars attend the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook at FLA Live Arena on February 03, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

We have reached that peak in the season where it’s time to be worried about the Dallas Stars. They face off against the Chicago Blackhawks in a must-win game in order to keep their division lead. The Stars have been awol since the All-Star break and two divisional foes are right behind them looking to take first place. The Stars need to send a statement to the league tonight that they belong in first place in the Central Division and get two points. Here are the three keys of the game for the Stars as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Preview: 3. Get the puck in the back of the net

I don’t know where the Stars’ offense from the beginning of the season is right now. They need to get back to averaging three-plus goals a game. With the season winding down, every point matters for the playoffs. The Stars cannot afford to keep going to overtime and lose. They need to put the game away and win in regulation. With the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche right on the Stars’ doorstep, they string together some wins in regulation.

Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Preview: 2. Stop Max Domi and Patrick Kane

Even though the Blackhawks are basically in the cellar of the NHL this season, they need to take the Blackhawks seriously. Right now, Max Domi leads the team in scoring with 15 goals and Patrick Kane is right behind him with 14 goals. The Stars’ defense needs to shake off the rust and shut down these two players tonight. I know all eyes will be on Patrick Kane since he is the top trade target at this year’s deadline.

Dallas Stars vs Chicago Blackhawks Preview: 1. Don’t let “the devil” catch you

The Stars have been in control of the Central Division for most of this season. They have been a surprise team and have attracted the attention of the NHL Network. However, all that attention can go away if they end up losing first place in the Central Division. The Winnipeg Jets and the surging Colorado Avalanche are right behind them in the standings. Winning at home tonight against the Hawks allows the Stars to start creating a gap between them and second place.

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