The Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues came into the playoffs red hot and stunned the world, by upsetting their regular season superiors in the first round.  Dallas defeated Nashville in six, while St. Louis beat Winnipeg in as many games.

At the midpoint of the season, many had written off both teams.  St. Louis went through a coaching change, and relations between Stars’ upper management and players were uncomfortable, at best.

However, both teams got hot at the right time, made the playoffs, and continued to excel.  The next question is, how will they compare in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Regular Season Match Up

The Stars dominated the 2018-2019 season against their Blues counterparts, taking the series 3-1, with all games ending in regulation.  Dallas came away with wins in both road games against St. Louis and split games at home.

The Stars outscored the Blues 13 to 7 and have won the last two games in a row.

Blues’ Cinderella Rookie Netminder

Jordin Binnington may not be a household name yet, but he will be for years to come.  The 2011 third round pick helped bring a struggling Blues team from out of the equation to third place in the Central Division.  With a .927 save percentage, he went 24-5-1, with a 1.89 GAA.

In interviews, the 25 year old is calm, composed, and direct.  Many have said that he, “has ice in his veins.”

The Dallas Stars elite players will have to perform as such against the daunting, young goaltender.

Bad Blood Remaining after Seven Game ’14/15 Western Conference Semifinals

The last time Dallas was in the playoffs, they were defeated in a grueling seven game series, against none other than the St. Louis Blues.

Jamie Benn had won the Art Ross Trophy (most points) during the regular season, and the Stars had home ice advantage in the series.  After very opposite, yet decisive games, the Blues took game seven in Dallas in aggressive fashion with a 6-1 victory.

Needless to say, Dallas will be out for revenge.

Game One

The Stars take on the Blues at the Enterprise Center at 8:30 Central Time tonight, April 25th.  Ben Bishop comes into this game, with a .945 Save Percentage.  Yes, you read that correctly.  .945 SAVE PERCENTAGE

Big Ben has saved 206 out of the 218 attacks on his domain (SOG for dummies) during these playoffs.  Can you imagine being Tampa Bay right now?  The first round Presidents’ Trophy winners were swept, while their Vezina Trophy Finalist managed an .856 save percentage.  Their “one that got away” has carried Dallas not only into the playoffs, but into the second round.

Emotions will be high, as the two underdogs of the Central Division square off for Game One of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.