The Dallas Stars were the top team in the Western Conference, but their playoff path sure hasn’t been easy. First up was the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights — a big enough challenge even before they boldly stretch the salary cap limits to fortify their team even further. Dallas survives in a tight seven game series and now they get the rested and primed Colorado Avalanche. Woof. And to think, people in New York were complaining about the playoff format (then again, Rangers partisans complain about everything).
Anyways, the Stars’ challenge is the hockey world’s benefit.