First shift 
The stars will get a great test this week.
Dallas fights for positioning in the central division and will play his two most violent rivals on the street. The stars have a Friday evening meeting with a divisional Winnipeg and then follow Colorado with a Sunday matinee in third place. The games are important for seeding purposes, but also because Dallas could see one or both teams in the playoffs.
“It is a big week for us,” said captain Benn and added that he likes the fact that the three teams play well. “It's great. It is always good to have that. We chase Winnipeg and there is no time to breathe deeply. Every game is so important, and that's what you want to go to the playoffs – games that are important. Every point in the route is so important for our group. “
The jets have the second best record in the NHL with 45-17-4, good for 94 points. Dallas has the third best record at 42-20-2, good for 86 points. Yes, the stars are eight points back, but they played two fewer games. This means that a regulatory win on Friday would bring six points back in hand with two games.
This is a manageable lead.
Stars coach Pete Deboer said that it would be great to be Winnipeg ahead, since this would probably mean a better way in the playoffs. The Central Division Champ will get a wildcard team in the first round, while the second-placed team will probably play Colorado. The avalanche is 39-24-3, good for eighth place in the league with 81 points.
“We know where we are overall,” said Deboer. “Absolutely, we want the easiest way we can do in the playoffs, but I think something showed us last year. We drove first in the conference and then drew Vegas, Colorado, Edmonton. It is more important that our game has to be in a good place and we have to be healthy. “
Dallas ended with 52-21-9, preferably in the west last year with 113 points, but still had to face the defending champion from Stanley Cup in the first round. So is the NHL playoff system. Nevertheless, the team believes that it has learned a few things on the way. Dallas has played three Playoff rounds in the last two seasons, and that means a great experience for Jake Oettinger, Wyatt Johnston, Harley and other young players. This year, Johnston and Harley took further steps, while they were filled out for the injured player Miro Heikanen and Seguin. Both Heikanen and Seguin are expected to be back for the post -season, but that will make these weeks even more important.
The team wants to win games, but also find their steps. After adding rantons to the closure of the trade, there is a certain shift that must occur, and that is also a reason why these games are so big.
“It's really great to play against the best,” said Johnston about the big showdowns. “The deadline is complete and this is the group with which we go to the playoffs. You have to try to end well. We have some really important games and it will be nice to test ourselves. “
For a team that the NHL has managed in Siegen (20) and goals (104) since January 1, it is only a matter of keeping the momentum.
“I think everyone is ready,” said Deboer. “You can see the finish line. We are probably that we will be one of these teams with one of these playoff places. Now it is: “Let's get there healthy, let's get there with our game in a good place.”
