Regressing Dallas Stars play a must-win game against Nashville Predators – NHL Preview
The fate of the National Hockey League (NHL) Pacific Division is still not decided, but it looks as if the Dallas Stars, who are ranked at fourth spot in the division, might not be able to qualify for the playoffs.
With just two more games left in the regular season, Stars are in a must-win situation and even if they accomplish this task, they will have to pray for defeats of other teams that are ranked above them in the division.
Stars will play their next game against the Nashville Predators, who have already qualified for the playoffs. If Predators manage to win this game, Stars will be eliminated from the playoff contention.
The matchup will take place on Thursday, April 05, 2012, at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
Here is a look at both teams.
Stars
They are ranked at ninth spot in the Western Conference with 89 points after 80 games and are three points behind the eighth-ranked San Jose Sharks.
Stars could have been in a much better position but for their recent slump, which came in the second half of the month of March.
Out of their last 10 games, Stars have only won three and are currently on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Vancouver Canucks (5-2), Sharks (3-0) and again Sharks (5-2).
After the recent defeat, Stars’ coach, Glen Gulutzan, commented:
"Now we need help and you just start preparing, getting ready for Nashville. There's no other way to look at it. It's just business as usual and go win the game."
Predators
They are ranked at fifth spot in the Western Conference with 100 points after 80 games.
Predators have not been in top form recently as they have won and lost games at regular intervals.
In their last game, Predators defeated Minnesota Wild after shootout. Both Predators and Wild could score their only goal of the regulation in second period of the game.
After the goalless overtime, the shootout was called and Predators got the only goal of the shootout to win the game.
Predators’ captain, Shea Weber, said after the win:
"The win is the most important thing. Obviously, we're somewhat in control of where we can finish. We can guarantee ourselves fifth. We've got to keep going."
Predictions
Predators might win.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Stars win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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