Though it’s not official, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins should be playing postseason hockey next month. The same cannot be said for the Dallas Stars as they begin a tough road trip that could go a long way toward determining their playoff hopes.
The Penguins look to continue their mastery over Stars on Saturday at Mellon Arena.
While Pittsburgh (38-22-4) and New Jersey will contend for the top spot in the Atlantic Division and likely the No. 2 or 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, Dallas (28-23-12) is currently outside the top eight in the West.
Coming off the Olympic break, the Stars have been outscored 11-2 in home losses to Los Angeles and St. Louis, and that lack of offensive spark also couldn’t have come at a worse time. Dallas also will visit NHL-leading Washington and always-tough Buffalo before a season-high six-game homestand.
TODAYS GAME LIST:
Dallas Stars @ Pittsburgh Penguins//Boston Bruins @ New York Islanders//Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators//Carolina Hurricanes @ Florida Panthers//New York Rangers @ Washington Capitals//Atlanta ThrasherS @ Tampa Bay Lighting//Anaheim Ducks @ Phoenix Coyotes//St. Louis Blues @ Colorado Avalanche//Montreal Canadiens @ Los Angeles Kings