3 reasons why the Golden Knights and Stars series has been special
The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars have given hockey fans a memorable series, right down to the match-ups.
Hockey fans love a good match-up between two quality hockey teams. It brings out the best in both clubs and fans love the action. That has been the case between the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars, who will fight for the right to face the Colorado Avalanche in the next round on Sunday. They say everything is bigger in Texas, with this game seven match-up being no different.
Some have said this series was essentially the Western Conference Finals, only in the first round. With the high-scoring Stars offense dominating opponents and the Golden Knights's "Death Lineup," it's a tale of two contrasting lineups vying for the Stanley Cup. It's also a hockey fan service, portraying a budding rivalry akin to the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche of the 1990s/2000s.
If this is the newest rivalry in the NHL, it's certainly shown fans that it is. Ironically, the Vegas Golden Knights and their "Death Lineup" are the underdogs in the series, with the Stars favored for game seven (-150 money line). That adds another layer to the storyline: Can the underdog Golden Knights overcome the regular season's best team in the Western Conference?
While the Golden Knights are the underdog, some fans aren't too fond of them. Why, you might ask? For one, there's been controversy behind Mark Stone returning for the playoffs. It caused a stir because the Golden Knights were over the salary cap for the playoffs, despite the NHL owners agreeing to the exception to the rules. Let's call it "LTIR-gate". Whether that changes in the future remains to be seen. However, the controversy has created a new villain in the NHL: The Vegas Golden Knights.
With that, fans are taking notice of the series and its various stories. So what has made the Golden Knights and Stars unique? How will hockey fans remember the series going down?
1. The goaltending has put on a clinic
Jake Oettinger has been brilliant for the Dallas Stars this series. The native of Lakeville, Minnesota, has a save percentage of .921 and a GA/G of 2.10 this postseason. He's kept the Stars in every game against the Golden Knights, making ridiculous stops at every juncture. If the Stars win game seven, Oettinger should be a Conn Smythe candidate should Dallas win the Stanley Cup.
But it hasn't just been Oettinger who's been brilliant in the net. Before he was benched in game five, Logan Thompson had been incredible for the Golden Knights. He averaged 2.35 GA/G with a save percntage of .921. That includes his memorable 43-save performance in game three, where he single-handedly stopped the Golden Knights from getting blown out.
But even better than Thompson (at least statistically) has been Adin Hill. The goaltender was put in by Bruce Cassidy for game five, banking on his playoff experience to lead the way. The Golden Knights were handsomely rewarded by the Calgary native a game later, with a 23-save performance. The cherry on top was a shutout (2-0), setting up a pivotal game seven.
The goaltending clinic should set up game seven as an excellent climax to a competitive series. Hill should get the start for the Golden Knights, getting ready to face off against Oettinger. The game should be a memorable match-up, with both goaltenders putting everything on the line for a victory.
2. Pete DeBoer's presence
Fun fact: Pete DeBoer is 7-0 in game sevens, making him a tough match-up for opponents. His team will look to continue that incredible run on Sunday, as the Dallas Stars hope to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights. But with Vegas's dominating lineup and sense of urgency, there might be other plans.
As for DeBoer himself, the Stars head coach has plenty of history against the Golden Knights. Of course, there's last season's match-up between the two teams. But DeBoer and the Golden Knights go back further than that. During the 2018-19 Stanley Cup playoffs, DeBoer stood behind the bench for the San Jose Sharks. He led the Sharks back from a 3-1 deficit in that series, toppling the Golden Knights.
But DeBoer himself has coached the Golden Knights during the playoffs. He led Vegas to two playoff berths, making the Stanley Cup semifinals twice (lost to the Stars in 2019-2020 and Montreal Canadiens in 2021). The former Golden Knights coach is quite familiar with how the team works, whether it's tenured "Misfits" (see Jonathan Marchessault) or even former Sharks (see Tomas Hertl).
However, the Stars head coach has only won one of three playoff series against his former team. Will he ride on his immaculate record in game sevens or will the Golden Knights get one up on him? Stay tuned, for DeBoer is the most interesting man in this playoff series.
3. The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars have been competitive
If game six was any indication, the series has been a battle between two of the NHL's toughest teams. The game was scoreless heading into the third period, making for some intense drama. In turn, it popped up some questions from devoted hockey fans watching the series.
"Who would score the first goal?"
"Is this it for the defending champions?"
"If the Golden Knights/Stars score, can they hold a 1-0 lead?"
The drama was also apparent during game three, with the Golden Knights given a chance to put Dallas on the ropes. It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the overtime period until Wyatt Johnston gave life to the Stars. With the game-winner, fans suddenly had a series. The Golden Knights had a panic on their hands.
But with a solid performance in game six, the Golden Knights have made matters interesting again. Now, fans are wondering who will emerge on top and take on the Avalanche. Can the Stars march on to face their divisional adversaries? Or will the Golden Knights continue to defend their Stanley Cup title? That's why you should tune in on Sunday at 4:30 PM PST. The drama will be great for hardcore hockey fans and casuals alike.
TBS. May 5, 2024. Game Seven of Golden Knights/Stars. 3-3. 119. DAL -150. 3-3. 942. 4:30 PM PST
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