We live this life in the Central. We've played the odds-on favorites to win the Cup (the Avs), and now play the President's Trophy winners. These aren't jagoff teams glad to be here. Last season, the Stars fought through a suddenly reloaded Vegas team, then drew the Avs with all their top guys going.
It would be more comfortable to just roll over teams, but that ain't realistic. My nerves would be better if we could stop the shooting gallery on Otter, but so far he's holding up. You're going to need that to contend. Last night, the Jets knew this game was critical. Yes, they have 2 more games at home where they're tough, but Dallas already won there once. As such, they came out to play a ferocious tempo. They got nothing on the scoreboard, and watched Granlund toss one in from the middle of the zone.
Dallas played a counterattacking style - waiting for the Jets to get caught out. The Stars PK is so thorough that they can afford to wait for penalties to even out (though that's no reason to take dumb ones). Robo is almost completely back up to speed. Miro got the plastic wrap off. Rather than struggling, the Stars are powering up. Just keep in mind they're doing so against the top points team in the NHL, and are respecting that power.
Obviously I'd like to close it out on Thursday, but I'm expecting Hellebuyck to do his thing. The Stars can beat that thing, but he's definitely an equalizer when he's on. I know the rules are different than in the Hitchcock era, but there's still value in taking the air out of the game, and just believing that your squad's talent will carry the day when the variables are reduced.