The Dallas Stars have improved each game in their first-round series against the Calgary Flames. As much as the team has outplayed Calgary, the series is tied at 2-2, and easily could be a 3-1 deficit.
Losing Matthew Tkachuk is likely to blame for many of Calgary’s issues. Tkachuk brings an edge to Calgary’s second line, and with the young winger out, the third line is the only group driving play.
Dallas has largely neutralized 5-on-5 threats, leaving Calgary dependent on special teams to drive their offense. The Stars have proven vulnerable, whether on the penalty kill or on the power play, so as much as Dallas has dominated possession, there is still reason for concern.