I would be crazy to say I'm not surprised the Stars lost on Sunday, given the energy they exerted on Saturday afternoon. Even though the Stars didn't get the extra point in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers, the fact that they were able to force overtime is a win in my book. However, that won't matter in the playoffs. The Stars need to be outplaying their opponents right now. It's time the Stars turn the page against the Boston Bruins tonight before they come home.
Dallas could use some help from Cameron Hughes tonight. He was called up yesterday after Michael Bunting got hurt against the Flyers. Everyone is probably wondering why I'm excited that Hughes got called up. He's been one of the main sources of offense for the Texas Stars this season, and Dallas could use that after only scoring one goal on Sunday. Dallas will need more than one goal tonight against the Bruins. Here are the four keys to the game tonight in Boston.
Dallas Stars vs. Boston Bruins Preview: 4. Everyone needs to step up
The Stars have no excuses if they come out flat against the Bruins tonight. Everyone should be well-rested and ready to play some hockey tonight. That means I'd better see goals from players other than Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson. Everyone needs to step it up a notch while the Stars are trying to heal their injured players. Just because Wyatt Johnston scores a highlight reel goal doesn't mean the Stars can retreat into their turtle shell for the remainder of the game.
Dallas Stars vs. Boston Bruins Preview: 3. Career game from Jake
I'd better not see the version of Jake Oettinger tonight that had one too many Boston Cream donuts. We are way too close to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for Jake being way too relaxed in between the pipes. I would love to see an alert and attentive Oettinger making career saves tonight. I would feel better headed into the first round against Minnesota if he were making the saves he should make on a routine basis. If Oettinger looks like he's in a food coma, it's going to be a long night on the East Coast
Dallas Stars vs. Boston Bruins Preview: 2. Put the geek in the locker
While David Pastrnak is a huge priority to keep off the scoresheet tonight, Morgan Geekie is having himself a season on the Bruins. 34 goals and 28 assists will really have everyone's attention on the scouting report. Dallas can't be relaxed on defense when Geekie and Pastrnak are on the ice tonight. Everyone has to make sure that both players are covered at all times. The Stars need to put the nerd in the locker and come away with two points tonight.
Dallas Stars vs. Boston Bruins Preview: 1. Play Cameron Hughes
I don't know if the Stars will do this with them coming home after tonight's game, but seeing Cameron Hughes in the lineup would be really interesting. Hughes has done a lot in Cedar Park this season, and he's going up against the team that drafted him. He deserves the call-up after recording 16 goals and 50 assists this season. What a way to win a hockey game and rub it in Boston's face for allowing Cameron Hughes to end up on the Stars by getting two points with him in the lineup.