The Dallas Stars will look to take a 3-1 lead against the Winnipeg Jets tonight in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals.
Dallas currently leads the series 2-1 after a dominant victory in Game 3, meaning the Stars have a chance to take a firm hold on this series with a win in Game 4.
The Stars were coming off a difficult 4-0 loss in Game 2 and quickly recovered to steal the victory. Coach Pete DeBoer called it one of the most impressive bounce-back wins during his time with the franchise.
“It was big, it was a response,” he said, per NHL.com.
“It’s the best response team that I’ve coached in my time here. Coming off a loss, rectifying that quickly, it’s one of the reasons why we haven’t had extended losing streaks around here.”
Dallas has been led in these playoffs by forward Mikko Rantanen, who has paced the Stars with nine assists and nine goals through the first ten games of the postseason.
Rantanen has contributed multiple games with at least three total points, including a stretch of four straight games spanning both series in which he collected at least three points.
While Rantanen has led Dallas on the offensive side of the ice to begin this series, Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has been the most impressive defender on the team in the second round.
Oettinger struggled in Game 2 but was incredible in Games 1 and 3, allowing just two goals in those two matchups despite facing a total of 57 shots on goal.
Dallas will once again rely on these two players as the team looks to take a 3-1 lead in Game 4. Winnipeg is expected to come out aggressive as they look to tie the series.
DeBoer said the Stars must focus on doing the small things to come out with a win against the Jets in Game 4, noting that it is “that time of year” when every aspect of the game matters.
“Winnipeg is a great team, they don’t give you much, they defend well. There’s not going to be games that are runaways. You have to settle in and be comfortable in those types of games,” he said, per NHL.com.