The perception in the NHL is that just reaching the playoffs is half the battle, that unlike the NBA, anyone can hoist the Stanley Cup as long as they are signed up for the ride.
And the perception is ... mostly true?
This is of utmost importance to Stars fans since their team has struggled so mightily this past decade to avoid the NHL lottery. This year's team is different. The Stars clinched their third playoff berth in 10 seasons on Tuesday against Philadelphia, did so with an uncharacteristic outburst of pucks in the net and, despite their wild-card status, stand a reasonable chance of upsetting Winnipeg and making something of a journey of this postseason excursion.