Western Conference Quarterfinal
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (WC2) Dallas Stars
Season series: Stars won 2-1-0
They have a history: The Stars haven’t made the playoffs since 2007-08, but opened that season’s run to the Western Conference final with a six-game series win over the defending Cup champion Ducks while riding the coattails of Marty Turco. In 2002-03, Paul Kariya and the Mighty Ducks got by the Stars in the conference semifinals. Although Dallas won two of their three meetings this season, Ducks stars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry were a force, registering a combined nine points in the three contests.
For the Ducks to win: The Ducks can out-pace most teams in open ice as well as dominate down low, so they’ll look to take advantage of a Stars defensive corps that isn’t overly fast or physical. The Stars don’t have a line or defensive pairing with the ability to shut down the Getzlaf-Perry duo — not many teams do, though. Bruisers Patrick Maroon and Matt Beleskey can wear down the opposition on the forecheck; youngsters Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen have been a force both offensively and defensively on the back end; Nick Bonino, Andrew Cogliano, Kyle Palmieri and others have consistently provided secondary scoring. All in all, the Ducks are in excellent shape. Unless Jonas Hiller or Frederick Andersen, who have both been solid in net when called upon, falter, the Ducks just need to be the Ducks.
Best Ducks storyline: This is Teemu Selanne’s final kick at the can. He’ll be a major source of motivation for his teammates. Also, since being fired by the Washington Capitals, the jovial Bruce Boudreau is a remarkable 111-55-22 with the Ducks. Boudreau has done a terrific job in Anaheim, and a Stanley Cup would be the ultimate reward for both he and the Finnish Flash.
Leading scorer: Ryan Getzlaf, 87 (31 goals, 56 assists)
Game 1 starter: Frederick Andersen (20-5-0, 2.29 goals-against average, .923 save percentage)
For the Stars to win: Dallas has been in playoff mode for the last month in an effort to qualify for the post-season, and it’s vital the Stars keep that up-tempo, everything-on-the-line attitude if they wish to compete with the Ducks. Much like Anaheim, the Stars will live and die by the success of their dynamic duo, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. The Stars were one of only two teams to shut out the Ducks this season (the Blackhawks were the other), so there is plenty of pressure on Kari Lehtonen to be at his best. Considering the Stars were one of the worst road teams in the league and only the Bruins had more home wins than the Ducks, it’s imperative something changes for the Stars when they’re in their road whites.
Best Stars storyline: Seguin has been a revelation this season, following a tumultuous split with Boston last summer. If he can lead the Stars past the powerhouse Ducks, it’ll put a stamp on a career year.
Leading scorer: Tyler Seguin, 84 (37 goals, 47 assists)
Game 1 starter: Kari Lehtonen, 33-20-10, 2.41 GAA, .919 save percentage
Matchup to watch: The Stars must limit the number of shots they give up. The Ducks won 63.3 percent of their games when they outshot their opponents, and Dallas won only 45.2 percent of games in which they were outshot. The Stars were slightly better in the face-off circle. If that trend continues, it will go a long ways toward maintaining puck possession and limiting shots against.
Big question: Can the Stars steal a game in Anaheim? The Ducks have won five of their last six games at the Honda Center, while the Stars have lost three of their last four on the road to close out the regular season and struggle when not in the American Airlines Center.
Best bet: Ducks in five.
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