The Dallas Stars have led for just over a minute of regulation through three games – yet they hold a 2-1 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche heading into Saturday night’s Game 4 in Denver.
It’s clear what’s gotten the Stars here. Stellar goaltending from Jake Oettinger, a clutch penalty kill and timely efforts from veteran leaders have fueled back-to-back overtime wins and flipped the momentum in this first-round series. But for all that’s gone right, there are still warning signs: early deficits, a quiet top line and too many ill-timed penalties that could eventually tip the balance back toward Colorado.