As the Stars wrap up their final road game of the regular season Thursday against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome, the room for error is noticeably shrinking.
Dallas has dropped its first two games of this trip and has been outscored 11-4 over that span. Its lead over Vegas for the final wild card is down to two points, and after the game against Calgary, both the Stars and Golden Knights will have the same number of games played (78). To add to the drama, the Stars will host the Golden Knights next Tuesday at American Airlines Center.
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After two disappointing losses, the Stars are going to need to find their identity quickly. A win Thursday could salvage the trip and give them a little more breathing room on Vegas, but it's also a great test to see how they stack up against a potential first round opponent if they claim the first wild card.
We know whoever takes the second wild card will face Colorado in the first round. And unless the Flames absolutely burn out over their final five games of the season, they'll lock up first place in the Pacific Division and host the first wild card.
The Flames have won seven of their past nine (7-1-1) and boast a 23-9-7 record at home. Johnny Gaudreau is tied for the third most points in a season in Flames franchise history with 108 (also Bob MacMillan, 1978-79), and ranks tied for the fourth most assists in a single season with 70 (Gary Suter, 1987-88). Matthew Tkachuk follows closely behind, needing just one more point to reach 100 this season (39 goals, 60 assists).
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.
