Previewing Stars vs Golden Knights Round One

They have met twice before, but never in the first round until now. It should be a close one.
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[@johnbelt94]

I've never seen an 8th seed underdog look this scary. That vgk lineup is no joke

[@Rocc1994]

Dallas seems to have way too much faith in 3 unproven young players. And Vegas is getting hate from just about every fan base because of ltir fiasco and they're also the most feared team in the west. I honestly think whoever wins this series will going to the finals.

[@Lphills]

Stankoven is the only one w/o heavy playoff experience. Wyatt Johnston had 2 series winning goals last playoffs and he’s 20yrs old I think he’ll be fine. Harley has plenty of experience and has proven himself. Having said that I agree this will be an electric series and winner should advance to the finals imo. Coin flip

[@father042]

This is the toughest series to predict for me, Stars have looked great lately, but Knights really shouldn't be underestimated

[@ericespinoza7789]

Agree as a stars fan, I’m thinking it’s going 7 but In the stars favor. Otter to me is the wild card and if they’re going to eliminate the knights, he has to be at elite level which right now he’s on

[@blastomanto5687]

I really wanted them to play LA instead of Vegas but oh well. I think Vegas purposely tanked to play Dallas but we’ll see lol.

[@JT-th1uc]

​@@blastomanto5687I think vegas wanted to get away from the oilers. They know goons like perry, kane, nurse will try to injure their best players. They would rather play top team in the central than have to deal with pathetic 2 player team with toxic fan base.

[@devynlich00]

Honestly this feels like a similar situation that the Rangers had against the Astros where whoever wins this will probably make a Deep Run

[@vincentlawrencer]

As a VGK fan, Edmonton scared me more because that series last year could have gone either way. That being said, Dallas looks like a juggernaut right now, so I’m just looking forward to a great series.

[@IT_ODIS]

I just want pavelski to win a cup.

[@LSA30]

Imagine if these teams played each other with the jerseys of the thumbnail. We would all go blind😂

[@LSA30]

And yes, I know the Vegas jersey is their dark jersey, but teams (Canucks, Kings, Golden Seals) used to wear gold as their light jersey instead of white.

[@cronoros]

Kings v Knights is the ultimate

[@LSA30]

@@cronorosWith the chrome domes? Yikes😂

[@kguy80]

Vegas destroyed hellebuyck, oettinger, bobrovsky during their cup run last year. They didn't look good this season, but they will be super dangerous if they get healthy, and it looks like all their injured players will be playing on monday.

[@umadbrew]

No mention of VGK having significantly more man-games lost over everyone in the league....they've been scrapping to get into the playoffs playing AHLers and mixed up lines the last 3 months. Also no mention of Hertl, who will be a man on a mission these playoffs. 2G/2A in his 6 games with VGK and has been moved around from Center to wing. Dallas is having a great season and should be a well oiled machine in these playoffs. Vegas has limped in, but almost purposely...They are going to have a full healthy team for game 1. It might take a few games to get their lines in order and skating legs back, but all of these guys have experience and could very well come out strong game 1. We know what we're getting from the Stars, but VGK will determine how this series goes. With a healthy roster they will be deeper, more rested and more skilled up and down the roster. Gonna be a fun watch.

[@devynlich00]

I could easily see this series going 6 or 7

[@TheScotian82]

Pavelski. 82 Games Played. Are we serious right now? Incredible. LG STARS

[@KGuy135]

It would be funny if mark stone scores a hat trick in game one. 😅😅😅😅😅

[@MORTY_LV]

According to Hockey Guy, Vegas won't do anything but lose this series. lol But I hope Stone scores 3 hat tricks to piss off everyone. lol

[@JesterRace139]

SJ fan here.. 1000% behind Pavelski and the Stars, would absolutely love seeing him lift the cup, I don't think anyone in the league deserves it more.

[@scottpetersonwesternhs9905]

Maybe Tomás Hertl...

[@JesterRace139]

​@scottpetersonwesternhs9905 Big Hertl fan too, even have his jersey, but would way rather see Pavelski win it. Second Burns. I'd be just fine seeing Vegas never win again.

[@johnwendland7908]

Your saltiness is showing

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

It was a trade with SJ (Adin Hill) that played a large role in last year's Cup run for Vegas. Would love to see Hertl produce that again.

[@liljoe31]

In the immortal words of Snoop "deserves got nothin to do w it yo"

[@taylorhewitt7025]

I hope the Stars pull through but I’m a little apprehensive. Hopefully Benn stays far away from Stone and sticks to his game. Let’s go Stars!! 🌟

[@James_Bee]

Benn's shenanigans against Stone were the result of a team falling apart. I don't think we need to be worried this year. The Stars are solid. It's theirs to lose.

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

Funny stat from last year's series...the Stars won both games when Benn was suspended, while the Knights won all 4 games that Benn started.

[@TH1RDP3RSON]

as a Sharks fan im rooting for the Stars with Pavelski

[@bradwiszowaty9573]

This is so unfair to the Stars, but I guess regardless of what round, you have to beat the best to be the best. We get the conference finals in the first round this season.

[@brAnd7onX87]

I think colorado and oilers are better than vegas this year. Vegas goaltending is so bad I think Adin Hill had a binnington moment and had a good run. This is not the same Vegas team and the Stars are arguably better this year than last year.

[@bradwiszowaty9573]

​@@brAnd7onX87I think Dallas will win because Vegas is injured. Hill wasn't a fluke, he's been injured all year and still is. If they were all healthy they would be in Vancouver's spot and be favorites again.

[@VGK2017]

@@brAnd7onX87Vegas just beat Avalancje with 4 guys out. Oilers on the other hand have Vegas’s number. Hoping VGK find their game and if the don’t Dallas in 6

[@b1galbos89]

That's what the Playoffs are, and what makes it the best tourney in all of sports. If you want to win the toughest trophy in all of sports, you need to beat 4 good teams 4 times each in order to do it. Even under the 1 vs. 8 format, this would still be a 1st Round series. DAL had the most points in the West at 113, VGK had the 8th most at 98. If you want any consolation, you're getting a Knights team that wasn't as dominant as last year's Cup winner, still dealing with various injuries, and have big question marks at goaltending and defense.

[@b1galbos89]

@@bradwiszowaty9573 That is hard to tell if they would have won the Pacific. Maybe in the 2 vs. 3 in the Pacific at least. NHL is a long grind of a season. Injuries are an inevitability for any team.

[@TheBigRedskull]

As a Stars fan, it feels like it’s first round exit or the greatest revenge tour ever: Round 1 vs Vegas Round 2 vs Rick Bowness WCF Redemption SCF vs Tampa for the storyline

[@marshallwhite9982]

Real

[@michaelm7131]

I’m a lightning fan and then can admit that we do not have enough depth to reach the cup final this year. I will be happy if we could just advance one round

[@gage.deloyfairbanksfairban7135]

Go Knights. Btb

[@carolglass3062]

GO STARS!!

[@bbsss99]

Oettinger lost all 3 games he played against vegas this season and got destroyed WCF last year. Everyone is picking the stars over vegas as usual, I just don't buy dallas hype. Vegas in 6 or 7.

[@daved1535]

The regular season doesn't mean anything. Dallas beat Vegas all 3 regular season games last year, and look what happened. I'm not saying Dallas will win or lose this series, but I don't look at the regular season at all when it comes to the playoffs

[@LalienX]

I'm so nervous. This is our best chance for the cup in years.

[@MikeHoncho610]

I think Vegas is being severely underestimated here. I hate them but I know how dangerous they are in the playoffs. If stone is back to 100 percent and Pietrangelo is healthy, Vegas takes this series in 7.

[@Phantom034]

Dallas is deep (at least in terms of forwards), they have a mix of veteran presence and young talent, and a goalie who, on his best days, is lights out. With all that said, until there are handshakes after the series ends and Dallas advances, I'm holding my breath. Someone call 911 for me after game 1 goes to double OT and I actually die from stress.

[@23jlmart]

One stat not mentioned is avg minutes played per game. Just about every players minutes on the stars dropped cuz they have 4 balanced lines to throw out. I think this was key to staying healthy most of the yr. See ya there at game 1!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[@dallinmecham1680]

Stars and Knights have both beaten each other in the WCF. Knights did it last year and Stars did it in 2020 but the Stars did it in 5 games. I think the Stars are much better now ad I like their chances to dominate in the playoffs this year especially with Otter playing awesome recently!

[@hep8853]

Did you even bother to check who was coaching the knights in 2020? Pete deboer, a guy who was outcoached by rick bowness. Vegas was the heavy favorite to go to the finals in 2020, 2021 and deboer was outcoached back to back by bubble hockey team and he was thrown into the trash as soon as vegas found a better coach, and vegas won last year with cassidy. One man's trash is another man's treasure. I wish you good luck.

[@Mazzter88]

Nightmare matchup for Dallas-Ottenger has to be the difference

[@hep8853]

I just read a twitter feed that the stars are 19-22 against playoff teams this year, and all their advanced stats came from mostly playing against non playoff/borderline playoff teams. I think their records are severely over inflated. Vegas swept the rangers, stars, jets, they're 2-1 against the avs, 1-1 against the leafs, 1-1-1 against the oilers. The knights are obviously the top dog in the west and they're rolling out the same cup winning roster, plus 3 new players, well rested stone and pietrangelo will be coming back into the lineup. The only weakness they have is goaltending, and the team seems tired and they're obviously injured. If they can somehow stay healthy for a month and half, i don't see anybody beating this team. Vgk in 5.

[@Mark-xl1ze]

lol

[@Bobbywhittjr]

😂😂😂 yeah ok

[@Lphills]

Will be a bloodbath of a series but that logic is dumb lol regular season records vs teams mean nothing - Dallas swept Vegas last year and Vegas swept Dallas this year…

[@Youdontknowme8888]

How does regular season matter when you’re not playing those teams? Another dumb logic. Hope VGK gets their ass kicked. Continuing to cheat the cap with BS LTIR…

[@connorking3022]

Braindead logic here obviously you are new to hockey 😂

[@1833marine]

I think the Stars are ready for this series, and will win it in 6

[@louscannon7493]

To me, Eichel will be the difference maker in this series. He's still got another gear, maybe 2! He'll get an assist on the series winning goal. VGK in 6.

[@devynlich00]

Don't sleep on the Stars I can easily see this series going six or seven

[@nickfenton2334]

Fun fact: every year so far, Pete DeBoer has either faced Vegas or been with them. 2018: He loses to them 2019: He beats them 2020: He joins them 2021: Still with them 2022: Fired after missing playoffs 2023: Loses to them 2024: Facing them again (outcome TBD)

[@bbsss99]

Gallant made stacked sharks look like echl team for 3 years and I don't think deboer ever won a single regular season game against the bruins when he coached Vegas. Seems like vegas has deboer's number.

[@nickfenton2334]

@@bbsss99 Yeah and someone made the point that the Knights were kinda cheated out of a win in 2019 with that call. I don't exactly agree with him, since they shouldn't have let in 4 PP goals in 5 minutes, but I see where he's coming from.

[@Mark-xl1ze]

Just heard about this stat. lol

[@Hated_Sien]

@@nickfenton2334 As a Knights fan, that call was ridiculous BUT... Giving up the lead in the last 5 minutes in Game 5 and Game 6 on soft goals set the tone that the Sharks were going to win the series. Fluery Choked his butt off in the last 3 games of that series.

[@nickfenton2334]

@@Hated_Sien I agree with everything you said up until that last sentence. Fleury wasn't really to blame when the entire team collapsed.

[@jerry2968]

As a Stars fan this was the team I didn't want to see early, but with all the injuries for Vegas maybe its better to get them early.

[@devynlich00]

Let's just hope they can take care of business and Jamie doesn't do anything dumb like last year

[@drevsgames1172]

It’s going to be hard to shut down all 4 of the stars lines down

[@MrNightRome]

same can be said for vegas

[@themarast]

@@MrNightRome Dallas have star power on every line, Vegas is bit weaker in 3th and 4th line

[@jayscott1380]

​​@@themarastthat's because they've never even iced their full roster yet. Vegas has 4 lines that would be considered top 2 on other teams. Plus a Dcorp that won the Cup last year + Hanifin. Biggest weakness is that they haven't played together, so who knows what chemistry they might have or not have. Other weakness is their goalie's have been streaky and inconsistent this year. On paper they are better than they were last year.

[@MikeHoncho610]

@@themarastStar power means next to nothing in the playoffs. It’s usually those third and fourth line grinders that make or break a series. Vegas in 7.

[@Hated_Sien]

@@themarast If star power won you the cup, Edmondton would have made the finals at least once with McDri

[@robgelb2244]

a match up I'm watching is Petro vs Benn with two former Blues with Vegas now.. let's go Knights

[@devynlich00]

Jamie has been with the Stars for well over a decade at this point

[@jacklegg21]

@@devynlich00literally his entire NHL career

[@JC051210]

This will be a very close series. All games between these teams either are one goal games or go into overtime. I’m sweating not gonna lie. Go Knights Go!

[@TEFLONBREED-cj6ko]

Go Stars!!!!!

[@Factoryf98]

As always, great game analysis!

[@somebody9889]

Stars in 7

[@tweitner]

So, the outro commercial from this video was an advertisement for tickets to Arizona Coyotes games.

[@Utred2012]

That sounds like a painful punch in the private parts.

[@gregorydoucet6657]

Excited!

[@BryanVGK23]

I’m VGK fan, but this series worries me. Knights have been very uneven and goaltending is questionable. Depends on which version shows up. Dallas is hot and going to be very motivated after last playoffs. Vegas can win, but they cant pull the only play a period or 2 style game they have fallen into.

[@rickhammond2473]

Vegas will prevail and move on to take the cup

[@josephwootenVGK]

As a VGK my big concern is HILL if he starts any games. LT I am not so worried about.

[@rickhammond2473]

@@josephwootenVGK If Vegas plays defense the goalie will fall into place

[@BryanVGK23]

@@josephwootenVGKI could agree. I’ll always appreciate hill for what he did in the playoffs last year. That being said focus is on now. Who gives the best chance, and right now LT has earned it.

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

One main difference from last year is that the Knights were exceptional at shot blocking. This is where we really miss Reilly Smith. Last year, Smith, Brayden McNabb and Alex Pietrangelo were 3 of the top 7 shot blockers in the league. One plus is Hertl being very good at faceoffs, which has boosted our power play nicely. If the Knights can produce anything resembling a consistent PP, they will become very dangerous.

[@zuzu6559]

So much pressure is on the stars, vgk will ice a super team. Everyone thinks dallas will win the series because it's 8th seed vs first in the central but imo, vegas has more well rounded team. the only weakness they have is goaltending. Dallas probably think it's their year to win it all, and they have to play vegas in first round ... yikes.

[@devynlich00]

There's one key factor that you're forgetting to mention the stars have some of Vegas' former players and we have doubled the amount of 20 Point players of every other team is Dallas Squad is different than what we've had in the past

[@trenelson9212]

If Hill is starting for Vegas I bet Dallas takes it. But if Thompson is starting I'm going to say VGK in 6.

[@jlo2o199]

Love the jerseys in the thumbnail. You know the story of certain Dallas stars players beings friends with the band pantera? It was their pre game music and they even got the band to make a song for them for the playoffs. There’s some cool, affordable pantera/salad stars jerseys. One of the cooler heavy metal hockey jerseys since it’s actually a collab with a team.

[@jacklegg21]

And now “Puck Off” is the Stars’ goal song

[@MORTY_LV]

If Vegas does beat Dallas, I expect you to make a video about all the positives of Vegas. I know everyone hates Vegas and you're not a fan. So we'll see.

[@shawnthibodeau189]

This is one hell of a round 1

[@vegasbucs3519]

One thing that could be important not brought up is the PP for Vegas since Hertl joined the lineup. In the 6 games with Hertl the VGK PP was 8-16. it is the best I have seen it, maybe ever. Golden Knights season ticket holder here since year 1 and they have never been great in that part of the game. If the last game of the season was that important to Vegas, Hanifan and maybe a few others would have played. I believe they were thinking that if they win great, if they lose so what and deal with it. Rest everybody up was of more importance. They do have some older players that could use the extra rest. I don't agree with you about Dallas being a deeper team than Vegas. The numbers will never support that statement but the injuries Vegas had to deal with this season were ridiculous. There were games when the Golden Knights had 5-6 AHL players on the ice and Patera in goal. Most teams wouldn't have even qualified for the playoffs with what they had to put on the ice. Carrier back in the lineup just allows Vegas to have their 4th line back. They haven't played together most of the season. They were fantastic when Vegas started 11-0-1. You said what a good season Roy had. Well, he is one part of that 4th line and has had to play on the 2nd and 3rd line this season which only makes Vegas' stats worse than they should be. This season also really showed how important Mark Stone is as the captain of the team. When he went out Vegas slid a ton. Him just being on the ice should make a huge difference. Vegas' physicality changes the way teams play. They are one of the biggest teams and they will hit you and come back and do it again. They wear out teams with their forecheck and create situations other teams can't do. Stone, Carrier, Mantha, Pietrangelo, and Hanifan should be rested and hopefully on the ice when the playoffs start. I do agree that Thompson should get the start in the first game. He has looked a lot better than Hill. I appreciate your information. Hope this is a great playoffs this year. Last year was amazing for us VGK fans. Let see where this goes.

[@Xerroh]

It's always the same thing since their first year and every year after that. Last year, every matchup Vegas went up against, the other team was always the favorite. Vegas will win back 2 back! ⚔️🏆🏆

[@patch8376]

Congrats on 312k!

[@pyrielrising4338]

Tough series for Shannon who is a closet Golden Knights fan.😊

[@devynlich00]

You may think that but he's a lot bigger of a Stars fan

[@otakumusprime7745]

If Dallas can win I believe they can go all the way. They got hot at the right time, and I would rather they face Vegas now than later.

[@rickhammond2473]

Dallas will not beat Vegas

[@leonardwise5807]

I don't think anyone can predict this series. First, if you look at seasonal stats, they are not predictive since Vegas was always playing a lineup without many of their key players. If you look at stats, Thompson has played just as well as Ottigner down the stretch. Also, Vegas has added key pieces Hanafin, Hertel, and Mantha. However, no one knows the extent of all their players' injuries or how cohesive this team will be since they haven't played a whole game together. So, way more questions to be answered about Vegas. Dallas, what you've seen is what you get. Very strong and cohesive team.

[@toasteroven440]

Avs fan but that Dallas jersey is my all time favorite. Reminds me of the old series between the two when Dallas always seemed to have our number, but it’s my favorite NHL jersey by far.

[@TofMyGl]

Always a pleasure to watch, very good analysis, very neutral, for me the best hockey channel on earth! So subscribe and like!

[@cowboyd5673]

Let’s Go Stars!

[@mercywilliams2698]

Let’s go, Stars! 🌟🌟🌟✅

[@blastomanto5687]

Funny how all the injured Vegas players coming back for the playoffs

[@americanloyalist4599]

Dallas but never underestimate Vegas

[@andrewsundaresan786]

No mention of Hertl for VGK? He will end up being a big factor in the series especially if Stone is limited by injury.

[@Lphills]

Not sure why Hertl is being slept on he was a monster in San Jose. Prob scariest guy on the team to me as a stars fan. Big physical 2 way guy with elite puck skills

[@Zedbie]

It feels like an even matched series on paper. I think early series wins are key here; early momentum and stunning the opposition. Last season it felt like Dallas could never get over those Game 1 and 2 losses. Have to wonder if this one gets scrappy with the history between these teams, especially since Stone may be back. I think Dallas scraps this out in 6. Vegas looks to restructure and re-open the windows for next season.

[@wild_insomnia]

Go Stars,go !

[@teikouarc]

I enjoy dallas and vegas games, I just hope fans don't dump trash on players this year lol should be a fun series!

[@brensek-ry6nw]

never count the knights out...... vegas in 7

[@devynlich00]

Don't sleep on the Stars we actually have some of your old players

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

1:03, 1:06 While playing the Oilers would probably have been the easier opponent, playing Vancouver right after, get tired and beat up from that endurance run, only to face potentially a not so tired Dallas in the WCF was something they didn't want. It was plain to see after the throwing shenanigans from LA started and that VGK decided to take part of. I don't like that they did this but I'm gonna root for Vegas to win this gamble.

[@deadboyzX8]

OK, I am not crazy the last game both teams play was weird

[@flyingtiger1603]

Stars In 7

[@brainspout3447]

I'm a Stars fan, and even though they've been in first place most of the season and ended up finishing first in the West, I'm still not 100% on board. Call it what you will, when I watch them play I just do not see the urgency I do not see the effort, and as much as I hate to say it I do not see the Heart! It could be the coaching style, it could be my own apprehensions, whatever it is I'm just not feeling it. Got my fingers crossed and I'm hoping for the best but I will be shocked if the stars can pull this off, again even though they've been in first place basically all season.

[@gungengod]

The obvious thing here is that all the Dallas players on the board played 82 games... Vegas only has one of those. If Vegas is healthy and can find the chemistry they'll be back to the deepest team in the league that won the cup last year and set records at the start of the season.

[@Steve_Hunts96]

The VGK should be getting a lot of players back in time for the start of this series, possibly Mark Stone too, and if they get everybody back, mark my words, this Vegas team will be DEEPER than Dallas is, and Vegas will ultimately be the better team. The big question is the health of the Knights. Are they able to go against what has been a remarkably healthy Stars team and beat them? As a fan I sure as absolute hell hope so, but objectively looking at the series, it’s gonna be tough, but Vegas definitely can win this series.

[@nothankyou7729]

i love how these playoffs are looking. there isn't any obvious favourite, and while if you took the average of cup picks this season dallas would probably be the overall favourite, i could easily see them going out early in the gauntlet that is the central. still, i think they beat vegas, but it's an absolute war and goes at least 6 games

[@liljoe31]

I would have to say the sentimental favorite is, judging from internet comments, those plucky Cup champs from Southern Nevada, the lovable Vegas Golden Knights. You have to at least admit they have a knack for proving the 'experts' wrong.

[@devynlich00]

But if Dallas can win this series and the cup that would make two teams in a row for the DFW area in sports winning in the same year in case you're curious the Rangers did the exact same thing last year during the 2023 season

[@weregretohio7728]

The fact that this is the 1v8 is insane. Dallas losing wouldn't even be a big upset. This is such a harsh matchup to get for a 1 and it's certainly way more interesting than watching Boston-Toronto yet again.

[@daved1535]

It's the 3rd closest series according to the betting odds. Only Toronto v Boston and Colorado v Winnipeg is closer and not much closer

[@UnrealZeal]

Let’s see if the Dallas crowd can maintain their dignity.

[@MikeHoncho610]

They are some of the trashiest fans in the league next to Trashville and Philly. Sooo, doubtful.

[@rickhammond2473]

Vegas will prevail

[@jimharle6217]

I dont know... not a dallas fan but i think they take vegas. Depends on goaltending.

[@36inc]

im excited honestly my dream isnt justt he cup tbh this year is significantly harder looking than others- this dallas is thankfully part of that group so we should still treat it like itll be hard- but what i think bodes well in our favor is that we are a better team then the titans in our ranks- atleast when it comes to the west weve shown excellence against both the jets and the avs- that could easily flip in the playoffs so while its not a garuntee playing rival after rival is ideal the nature of the playoffs make alot of strong emotions- which i think dallas has a better chance at reaching it cause theres not much panic if they lose someone- keep seguin healthy pretty much and the team has room to adapt so i trust them. which is really what i think confidence looks like here- its not that i think any metric theyll reach garuntees success its more like their characteristics theyve shown in the regular season makes me trust them to reach their potential. they have a shot- and i believe they can make it. so bring on the knights- whata better way to start the playoffs than by slaying the intruder upon our hoard.

[@liljoe31]

The brilliance of this comment is it describes the perspective of both teams

[@36inc]

@@liljoe31 oh buddy if people in vegas feel the same way and if the people in all the playoffs is in the same direction- this will be the best playoffs. and the result will be talked about forever. i kinda get tired of toronto acting like theyre cursed i wanna see them play full series' with the confidence and trust i have in my teams; maybe even my ideal end- the dal/car finals a dream of mine since i dont lose there my home team and my second fav playing against eachother- either team wins a second cup- similar team energy. id be happy either way- but if vegas wins again im rioting ill be fr XD

[@steelydan3263]

Bloodbath

[@djentleman7]

Good luck in this one hockey guy...

[@GabrielHodge]

The central division itself is really good and performing well its easy to underestimate dallas here i think at home and not against winnipeg they can do very well vegas could get the chaos though tonight

[@DJ-jf8ts]

Game 1 is the key. If Dallas wins, they should be fine. If not, I think Vegas will be in their heads.

[@dustinrhodes4793]

GO Stars!

[@jamesp.3951]

I believe Vegas will win in 6 games. Games will be close and hard fought. With Hertl added to the team, Vegas has a big body to block the goaltender’s vision. Thompson is the better goalie right now. Hill let in 2 poor goals in the 3rd period of their last game which is why Vegas is not playing Edmonton first.

[@dshockeybreaks]

I’m an Avs fan so you have to imagine I don’t say this lightly… Go Stars! Would love to see Vegas bounced round one.

[@fishinfrenzy2544]

Avs getting bounced first round again anyways

[@rkaylor5769]

This all hinges upon which VGK team shows up.

[@rickhammond2473]

The right team shows up they win another cup.I have 755.00 on Vegas to take the cup just a hunch.

[@rkaylor5769]

@@rickhammond2473 they lit up Bob last year for 25 goals. You just never know.

[@rickhammond2473]

@@rkaylor5769 You are correct we do not I am going with a hunch and a long shot have 755.00 on Vegas just thinking positive here.

[@timporter2850]

The Vegas Golden Sandbaggers are showing up

[@bjp1920]

The conference final rematch. Vegas may not get everyone for game 1, but I feel they'll get everyone back throughout and it'll come together for them while the Dallas gets goalied. Vegas in 6.

[@xlr0gd205]

All Vegas goalies have regressed since last year

[@csharp48]

​@@xlr0gd205I have more confidence in LT than I had with Brossoit last year.

[@xlr0gd205]

@@csharp48 Brossoit came into Game 1 vs Jets without a regulation loss in his last seven starts iirc and he never had that Arizona game

[@csharp48]

@@xlr0gd205 Sure, but Vegas was also playing significantly better last year, largely because they've had twice as many injuries as the next playoff team. It really all boils down to if Vegas is going to underperform due to injuries or if everyone truly is healthy. Or at least healthy enough for it to not massively affect their performance.

[@scottpetersonwesternhs9905]

First off...NO WAY would the VGK want Edmonton first. Have you forgotten last years slobber knocker? Those six games were a war! If the VGK get to play Edmonton, it will be in the WCF. Second, the first three Stars players you addressed, Robertson, Pavs, and Johnston played in all 82 games! Of course Dallas is going to have a better record! They didn´t have any key injuries!!! The next two, Duchene and Hintz both played 80!!! Holy smokes! For Vegas, do we know when Stone is coming back? There haven´t been any rumblings (that I´ve heard) about Stone being ready for Game 1. One thing about Vegas getting scored on first, it seems like if a team can get one by Logan Thompson, more are to follow in quick succession. The problem is, he is really hard to get that first one past. This should be a fun series! Let´s hope the VGK can knock them out again!

[@TheHockeyGuy]

Dallas has the best depth in the West. That's why they finished first. Robertson went from 109 points down to 80 and the team's numbers got better because of that depth. They're not the same team they were last year and neither are Vegas.

[@csharp48]

Stone is skating, which means he'll play game 1. The only question is if he's ready to play at his level game 1.

[@trenelson9212]

Last year we played both the Oilers and the Stars and won the cup. If I could of had it my way I would have wanted to play the Oilers. But thats not in the cards this year.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

Edmonton just isnt all that scary

[@jamesp.3951]

@@trenelson9212I wanted Vegas to play Edmonton first also but 3rd period “let everything in the net” Hill showed up in the final regular season game and unfortunately the only one who could manage a goal was Eichel on an accidentally deflected pass goal off of a ducks player.

[@ScottHedley]

I'm sure Shannon LOVES that Games 1 & 2 in Dallas start at 8:30 local time (puck drop ~8:50).

[@chiefkeef74]

LETS GO DALLAS!

[@j.scottgallagher8391]

Here’s an idea…the NHL should allow the top seeded team the opportunity to choose who they want to play against in the first round. That would be a pretty good incentive to be the top seed.

[@omfg322]

Ive never been a dallas fan....until now

[@kvltntr00]

I've been a Stars fan for 30 years and I am *NOT* confident about their chances against Vegas.

[@liljoe31]

Hard to believe all we yad to do was handle anaheim at home and we would be playing edmonton. Now we are playing tje much more formidable Stars. Gl should be fun but unless Karlsson just goes off more than usual this postseason, the prospects for the Knights arent exactly stellar. Good luck enjoy it

[@VGK2017]

Going to be a tough series. As a homer VGK fan I’m not sure atm who’s gonna win. Goalies will have to be better (especially Hill) and players will have to get healthy to win this series. If they do I’m gonna say Vegas is 7 because I’m a homer lol… but if the goalies remain mediocre and can’t get healthy Dallas in 6

[@Robert-ki7bz]

I'll take the Stars in 6.

[@generalimlerith8356]

This matchup is tricky

[@mynameismud-qd9vu]

I'm trying to being cautious about picking teams based how they've performed during the season because of the Bruins and Florida situation last year. The Bruins were looked at as favorites to win it all while Florida had just snuck in. Yet after being down 3-1 in the Panthers came back to beat the best team in the NHL and go on eventually to the Stanley Cup Finals. I do think the Stars win this series in 6, but I wouldn't be surprised if Vegas caught fire either.

[@TheJasonVoorhees]

VGK has the Stars number

[@1833marine]

It’s split

[@SS-iv7wv]

People counting Vegas out don't understand hockey. They've played the second half with a lot of injuries and now their guys like Stone and Carrier are back. VGK are probably a better team than an 8th seed.

[@jonasgorea3823]

Life is not fair sometimes

[@liljoe31]

Only chaos is fair

[@quag311]

I was hoping for Edmonton instead of DAL for Vegas. Ah well.

[@csharp48]

They almost definitely have got to go through both, regardless, if they want to repeat. I never really cared about order.

[@liljoe31]

Yeah me too. This is what happens when you dont tcob like you should. What a great 1st rd matchup though

[@Trustkillx]

What about pwhl players when that happen???😊😂😂😂😂😂

[@SpacedApe]

LET'S GO STARS!

[@2cool4hockey]

LETS GO STARS!

[@dansnyder9102]

Stars in 6!!

[@Nikkerman]

For all that people complain about the Knights circumventing the cap, I think they have dug their own grave here against a Stars team that is as deep as the Mariana Trench. It'll go 7 because the Knights play the Stars well but I think ultimately the Stars get their revenge

[@andrevukovic3568]

And by the time they get out of 1 round, the Stars will have multiple injuries mostly likely won't even get out of the west. That's a win for vgk, we just won last year, but pavelski, benn and deboer will still going to be cup less losers.

[@deantackett2059]

As a Stars fan would have rather faced LA but you gotta beat thr best to be the best. If Dallas can conquer their demons against Vegas I think that would really give them confidence and they could roll to the Finals.