Dallas Stars fall to the Minnesota Wild in double OT 3-2 in game 1

When Joe Pavelski went down due to that illegal check (get your crap together NHL Safety), the whole momentum of this game shifted. It’s tough to see the mentor of the team go down hard like that but you have to finish the game strong. Jake Oettinger did everything that he could keeping the Dallas Stars in the game going into OT. Unfortunately, Ryan Hartman scored in double OT to give the Wild the win 3-2.

Luckily this a best-of-seven series and it’s far from over right now. The Stars can still win game 2 at home and go sweep the Wild on their home ice. I still think the Stars can do it in five games, they just got to do it for Joe Pavelski. Let’s take a look at the three takeaways from game 1.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 3. Going to have to win without Joe

Joe Pavelski had to leave the game after getting checked by Matt Dumba. The check shifted the entire momentum of the game and left many Stars players shaken up on the ice. If somehow Joe Pavelski is good to go for game 2 tomorrow night, there is a hockey god.

I had to take some health classes in college and I can tell you he has a concussion. Just the way he was looking around confused after the play showed multiple symptoms of a concussion. The Stars are going to have to find a way to win without him in this series.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 2. Clean up the defense

I was about ready to throw my iPad into the wall after watching the Stars give Krill Kaprizov all the time in the world in front of Oettinger. They can’t allow Krill the thrill to just sitting in front of Oettinger unguarded like that. I mentioned in my pregame article that he is a very crafty offensive player who can make offensive plays from anywhere in the offensive zone. They did a good job shutting him down after his first goal. In game two tomorrow night, they got to keep the pressure on him.

Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Recap: 1. Jake Oettinger was as advertised

A lot of reporters and fans had questioned whether he could repeat his playoff magic from last season. Oettinger did that and more as he was very sharp the entire game. The Stars have got to quit relying on him to keep them in the game and give him some goal support. He can only carry the team so far in the playoffs. Other players on the Stars have got to step up and provide some goals. I can’t wait to see some more larceny saves like this one below in game 2 tomorrow night.