Here are three things to watch for in tonight's game:
1.) SPECIAL TEAMS- DALLAS
The Stars need to win the special teams battle tonight, but it won't be an easy task. The Wild are one of the best penalty killing teams in the League, and the Stars power play has been struggling of late. Since the start of December, the Dallas is 5/35 on the power play, which means they are converting on only 14.2 % of their power play chances. The power play definitely needs to improve if they want a chance to make the playoffs and go far. Dallas has been okay on the penalty kill, but there can be some improvements made there too.
2.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY- MINNESOTA
The Wild have struggled to put the puck in the net so far this year, but especially at even strength. Minnesota has only scored 60 even strength goals while giving up 69. In order for the Wild to have a shot at hanging in this game then they will need to improve the 5-on-5 play immensely. Minnesota needs to establish a forecheck early in the game, and limit their mistakes with the puck. The Wild need to have some kind of sustained offensive zone pressure with a good cycle game, and win the board battles to win the game at even strength.
3.) THE FINISH- DALLAS & MINNESOTA
Dallas and Minnesota have both struggled in the third period of games this year. The Stars have been outscored by opponents 39-25, while the Wild have been outscored 50-43. The two teams need to find a way to close out a game, and not lose focus when they are trailing or even leading in the final period. Dallas has struggled with this lack of consistency all season, and they need to get it cleaned up, and be better defensively in the third period of games. The Wild should be able to take advantage of the Stars inability to play a good third period, but they have had their own struggles with the same issue this year.
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