Dallas Stars Eye Crucial Playoff Spot Against Kraken This Weekend

SEATTLE, Washington — The Dallas Stars will face off against the Seattle Kraken in back-to-back games this weekend, beginning Saturday at 9:30 PM CT at Climate Pledge Arena. The Stars aim to secure their playoff position with a win and a favorable outcome for the St. Louis Blues against the Colorado Avalanche.

Currently sitting second in the Central Division with a record of 46-21-4, the Stars hold 96 points, five ahead of the Avalanche. Dallas is looking to extend its winning streak to five games after a recent victory over the Calgary Flames.

Stars forward Jason Robertson has been key to the team’s success, recording six points, including a hat trick, in the last four games. “I just want to keep building momentum as we head into the playoffs,” said Robertson. He has achieved a point-per-game pace on the road since November, totaling 31 points in 31 games.

Meanwhile, the Kraken, with a record of 31-36-6, are on the brink of playoff elimination, sitting with 68 points. However, they have shown improvement recently, going 5-3-2 in their last ten matches, including a notable 6-1 victory against Edmonton. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma expressed confidence in his team’s performance, stating, “The guys compete and are playing for each other, and that bodes well for the future.”

The Stars will also look to their captain, Jamie Benn, who is one goal shy of reaching 400 career goals. Bennett’s scoring ability has been crucial for Dallas throughout the season, as he continues to contribute in major moments.

Through the recent stretch, Stars coach Pete DeBoer highlighted the need for his team to focus on generating offense, stating, “It’s important to earn as many wins as possible in our final regular-season contests. We’re trying to hunt down Winnipeg while staying ahead of Colorado.” In addition to their offensive strategies, the Stars aim to tighten up their defensive game, having struggled recently with shots against.

The Kraken’s Jaden Schwartz leads the team with 23 goals this season and is vital to their offensive strategy. In past matchups, Schwartz has performed well against the Stars, recording significant points in his career. However, the Kraken will miss center Chandler Stephenson, who is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Fans eagerly anticipate this weekend’s matchups as both teams vie for crucial points in the final stretch of the season. The Stars look to solidify their playoff spot while the Kraken fight against elimination.