The Dallas Stars welcome the Calgary Flames to town Monday night at the American Airlines Center. The Stars look to continue their momentum after beating the defending Stanley Cup Champions, The Colorado Avalanche. Now the Flames being two spots out of one of the wildcard spots, I expect the Flames to come into Dallas and give the Stars a run for their money. Every game counts for them from here on out. Here are the three keys of the game tonight for the Stars.
Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames Preview: 3. Let them have it
As you all know by now, the Stars and the Flames have this kindling rivalry now after losing to them in game seven in the playoffs last year. The Flames also embarrassed the Stars on national TV earlier this season. I want to see the Stars let them have it tonight and get their revenge. Expect the gloves to drop multiple times as these two teams hate each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a long penalty sheet tonight between both of these teams.
Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames Preview: 2. Shut down Tyler Toffoli and Nazem Kadri
It looks like these two players never cooled down since the last game against the Flames. Toffoli is currently still the leading scorer on the team with 25 goals. Kadri is right behind him with 21 goals going into this matchup. I expect DeBoer to have his defenseman focus on both players in order to win this game here tonight. If the Stars allow either of these players to go off our home ice tonight, it could be the beginning of a very long night for the Stars.
Dallas Stars vs Calgary Flames Preview: 1. Keep up with Vegas
If the Stars want to end up winning the Western Conference title this season, they have to keep winning. Vegas is currently one point ahead of the Stars in the standings and every point counts. The Stars have to get two points here tonight, there are no exceptions. The Golden Knights are a very good team and if the Stars slip up here and there down the stretch, they could be missing out on being the top team in the Western Conference.
You can check other NHL scores from around the league on FanSided.com at this link here.