Improbably, the Dallas Stars are a win at home away from forcing Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals. Few would’ve expected this just a few days ago, but the Stars have come together and played complimentary hockey for 2 straight games. Now the question is whether or not they can keep it going on their home ice.
Perhaps most importantly, captain Jamie Benn will make his return following a 2 game suspension. This is critical, as Benn had 78 points during the season and has 11 points so far in the playoffs. He’s a big part of what they do offensively. The pressure is squarely on the Golden Knights tonight. After a dominating win in Game 3, there was every reason to expect them to finish out the series without too much of a challenge.
Without question, one of the players to watch tonight is Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill. He gave up 4 goals last game in his own building, and now is tasked with going on the road in a hostile environment and keeping Dallas’s offense in check. The crowd will be ready to explode and get behind the Stars as quickly as possible. Obviously, the best way to do that is with a lead. If Hill can keep the Stars off the board early, he can keep the crowd quiet and give his team a chance to grab an early lead. On offense, keep an eye on Centers Jack Eichel Jonathan Marchessault. These two combined for 55 goals during the regular season, with 27 goals and 28 goals, respectively. From an offensive standpoint, these two have to step up tonight for Vegas to be able to close this one out.
We should be in store for an epic Game 6 tonight. Puck drop can’t come fast enough!