3 Keys: Dallas Stars @ Colorado Avalanche- 12/3/17

The Dallas Stars will take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight at 8 p.m. in an important Central Division game. The Stars look to extend its winning streak to five  games, while the Avalanche look to find some consistency in their game.

Here are three keys to this Central Division game:

1.) ROAD PENALTY KILL- STARS

The Dallas Stars haven't been the best team on the penalty kill while away from home this season. They have allowed 10 power play against while being shorthanded 49 times, and a penalty kill percentage of 79.6% on the season. The Stars haven't faired well away from home at all this season so far, but if they can get a big win against a divisional opponent then maybe it can propel them to start playing better hockey while on the road. Dallas needs to either be more disciplined on the road or find a way to keep the opponent off the board while shorthanded.

2.) FULL 60 MINUTES- AVALANCHE

The Avs have had a problem playing a full 60 minute game at times this year, and that is just one of the reasons for the inconsistency with the wins and loses so far this year. The Avalanche get off to decent starts, but come the second period they let the opponent start to take over the game. Colorado needs to be better and keep attacking in the second period so they won't get outscored in the middle frame. The Avs need to be better defensively and not take penalties to allow the opposition to get back in the game in the middle period. Colorado will need to play with effort for a full 60 minutes, if they expect to get any points out of the game tonight because Dallas can put the puck in the net with no problem, and will make you pay, if you decide to sit back and protect a lead.

3.) TYLER SEGUIN VS. NATHAN MACKINNON- STARS/AVALANCHE

Tyler Seguin is the leading scorer for the Stars, so the Avalanche will need to be aware of where he is on the ice at all times. Nathan MacKinnon is the leading assist and point producer on the Avalanche, so the Stars need to have good coverage on him through out the game and not get burned by his playmaking ability. Seguin can produce at even strength and while on the man advantage, as can MacKinnon. This should be a good matchup on the ice, and to see which lines matchup against these two players, who lead their teams in points.