National Hockey League clubs scratch, claw, and grind every moment of the grueling 82-game regular season schedule to secure home-ice advantage in the NHL Playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche protected the friendly building better than any other team in the league during the 2023-24 season at 31-9-1. The Avs return home in game three with all of the pressure squarely on the Dallas Stars.
To advance in these playoffs, Dallas must win at least one of three potential games in Denver, Colorado. The pressure won’t scare the Dallas Stars as they typically have disappointed opposing crowds this year on the way to the top road record at 26-10-5.
The Game Three matchup sets up as an interesting clash between an elite home team and an exceptional road squad. Get the popcorn ready!
Home Ice Advantage – Colorado Has It, Can Dallas Take It Back?
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In the NHL Playoffs, skating on the home ice surface can be an exceptional atmosphere. From my experience, you can feel the supports from the home crows as they attempt to urge their squad to a playoff victory. It’s an energy that feels unique. That ebbs and flows with the vibe of the game as the teams battle for every inch of space. The party, or despair that follows, creates an electric atmosphere unmatched in sports.
If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, try to rewatch just the last 5+ minutes of the 3rd period of Game Two. If you can’t do that, check out my piece here. Colorado scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the final frame before Nischuskin pulled the Avalanche within one goal, 4-3. Dallas THEN took a high-sticking infraction sending Colorado to the man advantage with an attempt to the game.
As the referee was gliding his way to the area in front of the penalty box, as his hand opened the hip microphone transmitter channel, you could hear the fans sitting in stunned disbelief *just breathing*. There was no way the Stars could blow multi-goal leads home TWICE over 48 hours during the NHL Playoffs, could they?
In Game Two, there was no dramatic punch to the gut nor an overtime session to stress about the first game of this series. No, Dallas netminder Jake Oettinger shut down the Avalanche’s powerplay opportunity, allowing the Stars fans the chance to exhale. Esa Lindell scored the empty-netter to start the victory party on the 5-3 in Game Two.
Dallas Won’t Be Intimidated On The Road
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In round one, the Dallas Stars faced perhaps the toughest road environment in the NHL Playoffs when they traveled to visit the Las Vegas Golden Knights. As one would expect from the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, Vegas’ pre-game ceremony and in-game presentation are unmatched in the league. The usually creates a super-charged atmosphere at the initial drop of the puck for the start of an NHL Playoffs game.
The Dallas Stars were unfazed by that electric environment as they handed the Golden Knights losses in their first two appearances at T-Mobile Arena. They can expect a similar vibe in Denver tonight as Ball Arena will undoubtedly be rocking for Game Three. In the regular season, Dallas showcased the ability to perform well on the road. The Stars will look to duplicate those results at least one time during their venture to the Rockies during these NHL Playoffs.
Coaches Want Stars To Step Up in NHL Playoffs
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In the NHL Playoffs, coaches are often more critical of their star players than you would typically see in the regular season setting. The added pressure of each game means that the pressure continues to mount as teams adjust game plans to shut down opposing threats as they arise during games.
This happened to Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen in game two as the Stars put the brakes on the offensive side of their games. The Avalanche stars combined for four points in Game One before being held off the scoresheet in the second contest. Coach Jared Bednar said after the game that the duo were “isolated” by the defense effort from the Stars, and he needs more of a tag-team effort from the NHL All-Stars moving forward.
Dallas has also struggled with its underperforming pivot during this run in NHL Playoffs. Before his 4-point outburst in game two, Stars center Roope Hintz had only an empty-net goal to his credit over 8 postseason games. For Dallas to thwart an Avalanche offense that does not quit, the Stars will need Hintz to produce offensively as he did on Thursday night.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With a varied professional background that includes an M.B.A. in Sports Management from Tiffin University, Chris can speak with authority on the subject matters that he covers. Additional insightful sports articles can be located here.
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