The Stanley Cup Playoffs are well underway. One of the closest series to date has been in the Western Conference between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild. So far, the series sits at 3-2 with Dallas having the lead. Game 6 is set for Friday, April 28th, 2023, and we couldn’t be more excited and anxious to see the outcome.
With a dub from the Stars, they would win the series. But how will they get there? What do they need to do in order to ensure a Game 6 win and series closeout against the Wild? Here are the three things that the Stars need to do in order to eliminate the Wild from the playoffs tonight.
1. Capitalize on the Wild’s poor penalty kill
It’s no secret that the Minnesota Wild have such a poor penalty kill in this series. It’s honestly a really and performance that ultimately cost them multiple games, but that’s a good thing for the Stars. In the series thus far, they’ve let up nine power play goals with that least two of them being in their last four out of five games.
That’s really the number one thing that the Wild struggle with, but it’s definitely something that the Stars have the ability to capitalize on and ultimately win Game 6 and closeout the series, moving onto the second round of the playoffs.
2. Continue to get production from Seguin and Benn
You can pretty already expect some pretty great production values from both Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson; however, going into the playoffs, many people said that Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn would need to start stepping up their game in order to secure some additional wins. So far in the series, Seguin sits at 4 goals (with one being the GWG of Game 5) and 1 assist for a total of 5 points in 5 games.
As far as Benn goes, he sits at 1 goal and 3 assists for a total of 4 points. Obviously, Seguin seems to have some better stats than Benn, but that certainly doesn’t mean that Benn can’t also get there. His teammates need to start passing him the puck for more chances at goals and overall wins. Between Seguin, Benn, Robertson, and Hintz, Game 6 can definitely get done.
3. They NEED depth
This whole conversation all starts with when Joe Pavelski got injured in Game 1 with a concussion; he hasn’t played since April 17th, 2023. So far, as of right now, he’s being labeled as a game-time decision for Game 6 but did skate with the team during their Morning Skate on the morning of Game 5’s 4-0 shutout against the Wild.
The Dallas Stars have been really good at creating depth. With injuries and other situations like this, you can’t be afraid to have some interchangeable parts; make sure that you have a player that will replace any and all players, should something happen.
Be prepared for all sorts of situations and any point in time. With a key piece (Pavelski) being out, it’s super unhealthy to dwell on that and just cry in a corner until he returns. The Dallas Stars have got to continue to showcase their other talents, such as Thomas Harley from the American Hockey League.
That’s a wrap on the Top 3 things that the Dallas Stars NEED to do in order to secure a Game 6 victory!
Dallas hasn’t been afraid to have some replacements for key players whenever they’re out or injured. While of course we want Joe Pavelski back for Game 6 there is absolutely no guarantee, so until then, we cannot dwell on anything and have to just move on. Do you think that the Stars can win Game 6 against the Wild? Share your thoughts down below in the comments! Make sure to tune into Game 6 on Friday, April 28th, 2023 starting at 8:30 PM CST on TBS! Be there!