Previewing the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars First-Round Matchup

They say familiarity breeds contempt. Seeing the same team over and over again will lead to losing respect for said opponent. The Vegas Golden Knights are facing off against the Dallas Stars in the playoffs for the third time in franchise history. Each team has a series win, resulting in a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. But for the Stars, it's a chance to avenge their Western Conference Finals loss from last season.

Still, the Golden Knights must not let that happen in their quest to repeat. But the defending champions need a blueprint to stop the Stars once again. Here are the three biggest storylines heading into the match-up.

1. For the Vegas Golden Knights, They See A Familiar Face

Everywhere the Vegas Golden Knights go, it seems like that man is there, waiting for them. Pete DeBoer faces off against the Golden Knights for the fourth time in franchise history.

In fact, the head coach has been involved in all playoff runs for the Golden Knights. He coached for three seasons in Vegas, leading the Golden Knights to two Western Conference Finals appearances before being fired in 2021-22. The Golden Knights are hoping they can get another one over DeBoer this season.

2. The Golden Knights Might Also Get a Familiar Face Back

Mark Stone has been practicing with the Vegas Golden Knights after recovering from a lacerated spleen. With him recently practicing in a red no-contact jersey, his return seems imminent. In essence, he's the most interesting man in the NHL now, with teams awaiting his next move.

But the question remains: When will he return, if at all? The captain's veteran presence would greatly boost the Golden Knights's chance of repeating as Stanley Cup champs. After all, nobody moves the team like Stone. The Winnipeg native's scoring knack (16 goals, 37 assists) and defensive abilities would boost Vegas to new heights.