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Stars Look to Stay Hot Against Flames After Stressful Win
The Dallas Stars are heading into Thursday’s road clash with the Calgary Flames feeling a bit uneasy despite their recent success. The Stars have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL lately, earning points in six consecutive games (4-0-2) as they push for the top spot in the Central Division. However, their latest victory—a 4-3 road win over the Edmonton Oilers—left a lot to be desired.
Coach Pete DeBoer didn’t hold back after the game, describing it as one of his most disappointing wins. “I haven’t had many disappointing wins in my career, but this would be one of them,” DeBoer said. “I thought we played a really immature, sloppy game, especially in the first and third periods. It’s concerning. Playoffs are around the corner.”
Stressful Finish Highlights Inconsistency
The Stars seemed to be cruising to a comfortable victory after taking a four-goal lead. However, penalty issues and sloppy play allowed Edmonton to storm back, scoring three goals in the third period and making it a nail-biter down the stretch.
Jason Robertson was the star of the game, notching a natural hat trick in the second period. Despite his offensive brilliance, even Robertson acknowledged the tension. “We didn’t do a good job of closing it out, but at the end of the day, we won. That’s the best part,” Robertson said.
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Calgary Flames: Fighting to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Calgary Flames enter Thursday’s game on a four-game winning streak, fresh off a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Seattle Kraken. The Flames have shown remarkable resilience, staging comebacks in each of their last four wins.
Kadri Leads the Charge
One of the biggest stories for Calgary has been forward Nazem Kadri, who is on a scorching run with five goals in his last four games, including consecutive overtime winners. His clutch play has made him the first player in franchise history to net OT winners in back-to-back games.
Coach Ryan Huska praised Kadri’s ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, saying, “What I would hope rubs off onto, especially the younger players, is that the bigger the stage, it’s not something to be afraid of. Run to it. That’s what Naz does, all the time.”
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Key Factors to Watch
Dallas Stars
- Jason Robertson: Scored a natural hat trick against Edmonton and has been red-hot lately with 32 goals this season. His offensive firepower will be crucial in Calgary.
- Penalty Issues: The Stars need to clean up their game, as penalties nearly cost them the win in Edmonton.
- Goaltending Concerns: Jake Oettinger will need to be sharp to fend off Calgary’s aggressive offense.
Calgary Flames
- Nazem Kadri: Kadri’s leadership and scoring touch have fueled the Flames’ recent success. Expect him to be at the forefront once again.
- Resilient Mindset: The Flames have embraced the challenge of must-win games as they chase a wild-card spot.
- Defensive Cohesion: As Calgary tightens up its defensive play, they must be wary of the Stars’ quick counterattacks.
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Matchup Breakdown
Stars’ Offensive Momentum vs. Flames’ Grit
The Stars have been on a scoring tear recently, led by Robertson, but inconsistency on defense and penalty problems have left them vulnerable. On the other hand, the Flames are thriving on resilience and late-game heroics, driven by Kadri’s knack for clutch goals.
Given Calgary’s tendency to play from behind and Dallas’ struggles to close out games, this matchup could become another high-scoring affair. With both teams looking to solidify their postseason standing, expect an intense battle on the ice.
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Key Matchup to Watch
Robertson vs. Kadri
Both players have been game-changers for their respective teams recently. Robertson’s hat trick showcased his scoring prowess, while Kadri’s clutch performances in overtime have fueled the Flames’ resurgence. The battle between these two offensive dynamos could determine the game’s outcome.
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Game Prediction
With the Stars fighting for a Central Division title and the Flames clawing to keep playoff hopes alive, this game has high stakes on both sides. If Dallas can maintain discipline and capitalize on their scoring opportunities, they should have the edge. However, Calgary’s knack for staging comebacks means this one could go down to the wire.
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FAQs
How have the Stars performed recently?
The Stars have earned points in six consecutive games (4-0-2) and are pushing for the top spot in the Central Division.
Why was the win against the Oilers considered stressful?
Despite taking a four-goal lead, the Stars allowed the Oilers to stage a comeback, making it a tight one-goal game at the end.
What makes Nazem Kadri a key player for the Flames?
Kadri has scored five goals in his last four games, including two consecutive overtime winners, showing his ability to perform under pressure.
What should the Stars focus on against the Flames?
The Stars need to reduce penalties and improve defensive consistency to maintain their winning momentum.
Can the Flames make the playoffs?
With 12 games left and a four-point gap from the wild card, the Flames must continue their winning streak to stay in contention.
Who are the key offensive threats in this matchup?
For the Stars, it’s Jason Robertson, who just scored a hat trick. For the Flames, it’s Nazem Kadri, who has been clutch in recent games.
With both teams hungry for points and looking to build momentum, this matchup promises intensity from start to finish. Stay tuned for what could be a pivotal clash in the race for playoff positioning.
