The Dallas Stars are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken tonight, marking their third and final meeting of the season. The Stars have dominated the series so far, winning both previous encounters this season. Historically, Dallas has been a tough opponent for Seattle, boasting a 12-1-1 all-time record against them, including an impressive 6-0-1 at home.
Roope Hintz is a player to watch as he enters the game on a two-game point streak against Seattle. With 14 points in 14 career games against the Kraken, Hintz has been a consistent thorn in their side. His ability to perform against Seattle is mirrored in his play against several other teams, where he averages at least a point per game.
Defenseman Miro Heiskanen has also been a standout against the Kraken, tallying five points in his last four games against them. Over 12 career games, he has accumulated 13 points and consistently logs significant ice time, ranking sixth among active NHL skaters in this regard.
Jason Robertson is another key player for the Stars, having recorded eight points in his last six games. His recent form includes hitting the milestone of 200 career goals, making him the first from the 2017 NHL draft to do so. Robertson's performance against Seattle has been noteworthy, with 13 points in 14 games, including multiple multi-point efforts.
On the other side, Kraken forward Chandler Stephenson has been in good form, with seven assists in his last six games. He ranks third on the team in scoring and leads in road performance, making him a critical component of Seattle's lineup. Against Dallas, Stephenson has managed six points in 20 games.
The Stars have been on a rollercoaster this season under new coach Glen Gulutzan. Despite a strong overall record, they've faced challenges, particularly after Christmas. However, a six-game winning streak before the Olympic break showed a team finding its stride, improving both offensively and defensively.
Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn have been pivotal during this stretch, combining for significant points. With Mikko Rantanen sidelined due to injury, the duo's contributions will be even more crucial.
As the Stars navigate a compressed schedule and approach the trade deadline, they're looking to maintain their momentum. Coach Gulutzan emphasizes the importance of the "one percent" difference, a mantra that's starting to resonate with the team.
In goal, Casey DeSmith is expected to start, boasting a solid 2.37 goals against average. Lian Bichsel, known for his physical play, returns from injury, adding grit to the Stars' lineup.
With the playoffs on the horizon, Dallas aims to solidify their game, building on recent successes and preparing for potential battles against formidable Central Division rivals. As Gulutzan notes, developing the right mentality is key to thriving in the postseason.