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Dallas Stars face must-win (in regulation or overtime) game against Minnesota Wild

Mikko Koivu, Greg Zanon, Adam Burish

Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu (9), of Finland, left, and teammate Greg Zanon (5), center, take-over the goal as they defend a shot by Dallas Stars winger Adam Burish during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, in St. Paul, Minn. Dallas won 4-0. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

AP

In case you missed it, the Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation, giving the Dallas Stars an improbable chance to make the playoffs after a season full of twists and turns. The goal is straightforward and simple, even if attaining it might not be: all the Stars need is a win in regulation or overtime and they’ll make the playoffs. Anything less -- including a shootout win -- and Chicago will be the eighth seed instead.

With that in mind, the question is painfully obvious: can the Stars do it? Here’s a preview of tonight’s all-or-nothing game.

The Stars’ recent dominant performances against the Wild

Going into tonight’s game, there’s really no doubt about it: the Stars own the Wild. They are 3-0-0 against Minnesota in the 2010-11 season, but the domination expands beyond that. Dallas is on a six-game winning streak against them and are 11-2-0 in the two clubs’ last 13 games.

There are two ways to look at this trend. An optimist (and probably a realist) would say the Stars are the odds-on favorites. Yet a pessimist might wonder if something has to give; can Dallas really keep beating up on Minnesota?

The historical aspect

Much like the Red Wings’ rivalry with the Blackhawks, the Wild might have a slightly higher amount of energy in this one based on the opponent they hope to spite, even if they will face their last game of the season while Detroit wanted to build playoff momentum. It’s probably true that Wild players don’t care that much about the fact that the Dallas Stars were once the Minnesota North Stars, but you know who does care?

Minnesota hockey fans, that’s who. Don’t be surprised if there’s a charged atmosphere because of that history.

Lineups

As we mentioned in today’s starting goalies post, Jose Theodore is expected to be in Minnesota’s net while workhorse Kari Lehtonen will play for Dallas as usual. Avoiding Niklas Backstrom is obviously a bonus for the Stars, but Theodore has been quite efficient as his backup.

Here are the remaining starting lineups for both teams, via Hockey Wilderness.

Screen shot 2011-04-10 at 3.00.14 PM

(click to enlarge)

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So, the question is: can the Stars finally make the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 season? The numbers are certainly on their side and as a fan of legitimate competition, it’s exciting to know that a shootout win won’t cut it.

The Blackhawks have no one to blame but themselves for being in the situation they are in. Likewise, the Stars will face about six months of regret if they cannot beat the Minnesota Wild.

For hockey fans, this is what it’s all about. If you want to follow the action, stick with PHT and check out the game at 6:00 pm ET on NHL Network. If it’s anywhere near as exciting as the Red Wings-Blackhawks game, this game should be a real treat.