The Dallas Stars have been focused on Stanley Cup playoff preparation, and deservedly so since they have punched their ticket.
However, as the Stars ready themselves to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, the objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear.
Having lost three of four and winning only twice in nine games (2-5-2), the Stars (45-20-12, 102 points) are suddenly again in a battle with the Minnesota Wild for second place in the division — and home-ice advantage in the likely first-round matchup between them.
The Stars are two points ahead of the Wild. Both teams have five games remaining in the campaign, including a meeting on Thursday in the heart of Texas.
The Stars saw their struggles continue with a 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, a clash that was every bit the heavyweight battle expected. Colorado opened the scoring past the midway point of the third period and added an empty-net goal.
“You saw what you’re probably in store for come playoff time,” coach Glen Gulutzan said. “Especially in the Central (Division), just that tight checking, both teams willing to check.”
Not helping the Dallas cause is the injury list, with the likes of Roope Hintz, Radek Faksa, Sam Steel, Nathan Bastian and Michael Bunting out due to injury.
Defenseman Tyler Myers is expected to play against Calgary, but all the others are believed to be readying for the playoffs.
Dallas has mustered just four even-strength goals in its past four games.
“I think 5-on-5 offense (has to be a focus),” forward Mikko Rantanen said. “Try to get more zone time. … That’s one thing we have to be better at the last five games and be better for the first series.”
The Flames are not yet officially eliminated from playoff contention, but would be bounced with a loss.
Calgary (32-36-8, 72 points) has no margin for error, but continues to relish the role of spoiler. The Flames arrive in Dallas after claiming a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks, which knocked them from top spot in the Pacific Division.
Calgary snapped a two-game losing skid in the third outing of a six-game road swing.
“This is a bit of a tough road trip at the end of the year, length and quality of opponent,” forward Ryan Strome said. “Nice to get one.”
The victory was extra special for Strome. He was acquired by the Flames from Anaheim at the trade deadline, and with his family on hand, he scored once to collected his 500th career point.
“It’s a tough league to score in,” Strome said. “I just try to be consistent in my career as much as I could, and to be a steady point producer is not easy. I know it’s not like Hall of Fame numbers or anything, but for me it’s something that I’m proud of.”
He was not alone reaching a milestone. Morgan Frost scored twice and reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.
“I hope one day I can score 30, but 20 is very cool for me,” Frost said. “So I’ll build for the next milestone.”
