The Dallas Stars are at risk of getting swept out of the first round of the NHL Playoffs if they cannot manage to put together a win. Right now, Anaheim is taking full advantage of every weakness the Stars have as Dallas cannot find an answer to the Ducks after two games.
The Stars are in a hole as the series shifts back to Dallas. The city will host their first playoff game in six years, but the Stars are not entering with the record most fans would like. Anaheim has exceled against Dallas as the Stars have failed to close out two one-goal games to the Ducks.
The Stars have statistically been better than the Ducks. In Game 2 they outshot Anaheim 36-19 in a 3-2 loss after Dallas when on a shooting spree in the third period giving them a 15-2 edge. Rookie goalie Frederik Andersen played well, recording 34 saves in his second start, giving Anaheim the ability to move ahead in scoring. Outside of the rookie goal, Anaheim is using their postseason experience as an advantage considering 10 players on the Dallas roster are currently making their postseason debut.
The Ducks' star players have stepped up in the postseason. Ryan Getzlaf has two goals and two assists in the series so far. Corey Perry is continuing his scoring streak after finishing the season as the league's second-leading scorer. He broke his scoreless streak in postseason, scoring his first goal in 10 playoff games.
The Ducks also have the goalie edge despite the difference in experience. Rookie Andersen got the start over veteran Jonas Hiller who only won29 regular season game. He has stopped 66 of 71 shots in this series. Meanwhile, veteran Karl Lehtonen has yet to get a playoff win in 10 seasons. He has a 4.58 goals against average in the postseason.
Dallas is hoping the shift back home gets them the much needed Game 3 win. The Stars finished 8-1-1 in their last 10 home games during the regular season which helped them clinch the wild card spot. However, Anaheim had 25 road wins this season which kept them tied for the second-most in the league.
