The Dallas Stars have successfully embarked on one of the most demanding stretches of their season schedule, securing a 4-2 victory in their opening game against the Carolina Hurricanes at home on Tuesday. This series of ten matches presents a formidable challenge, with seven games against teams positioned in the top 10 of the league, including matchups against the Bruins and Rangers. The Stars will also face off against Central Division adversaries Colorado and Winnipeg, adding intensity to an already rigorous segment of their season.
For the Stars, who are currently tied for third in points percentage, this stretch represents a crucial phase. Coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the standings, especially given the significance of the upcoming matches against Winnipeg and Colorado; two teams who may see key players return from injury. Despite the heightened stakes, DeBoer noted the equal importance of each game in the coming weeks.
Amidst this pressure, the Stars are fine-tuning their performance, having entered the All-Star Break with a strong run and now seeking to overcome recent hurdles, including a hard-fought win against Buffalo and a narrow loss to Toronto. The team’s resilience was on display in a 3-2 victory over Montréal, showcasing improvements in shot differential and penalty killing. The win over Carolina shortened the Stars’ Stanley Cup NHL playoff odds to +1200.
DeBoer’s strategy also includes adjusting player positions for optimal impact, reflecting on the importance of the center position and the potential for players like Johnston to enhance team dynamics through versatility and confidence.
This demanding schedule tests the Stars’ ability to maintain their competitive edge, manage strategic line adjustments, and capitalize on their strengths in faceoffs and goaltending, all while navigating the pressures of tightly contested league standings.
Following the NHL Playoffs
In the United States and Canada, the NHL playoffs attract significant viewership.
In the U.S., several networks offer playoff coverage. ESPN and ESPN+ feature games, with some available on the ESPN app or through Hulu for its subscribers. TNT Sports is also a key broadcaster, offering games on TNT channels and the Max App. Additionally, ABC provides broadcasts on its channels and streams, often accessible via ESPN+. Regional Sports Networks (RSN) may offer streaming in certain U.S. areas.
Canadian fans can watch national games on Sportsnet+ and TVA channels. Regional games are accessible through Regional Sports Networks, with streaming options available via an app.
Internationally, NHL viewing options vary widely. In the UK, NHL games can be accessed through a ViaPlay subscription, which also includes certain international soccer matches. This service can be integrated with other subscriptions, such as Sky Television.
Globally, NHL TV offers a streaming service in territories without specific TV agreements, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.