{"id":544614,"date":"2026-04-07T00:24:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T00:24:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/544614\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T00:24:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T00:24:16","slug":"stars-battling-for-first-round-home-ice-seek-improvement-vs-flames-field-level-media-professional-sports-content-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/544614\/","title":{"rendered":"Stars, battling for first-round home ice, seek improvement vs. Flames – Field Level Media – Professional sports content solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Stars have been focused on Stanley Cup playoff preparation, and deservedly so since they have punched their ticket.<\/p>\n

However, as the Stars ready themselves to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, the objects in the rearview mirror are closer than they appear.<\/p>\n

Having lost three of four and winning only twice in nine games (2-5-2), the Stars (45-20-12, 102 points) are suddenly again in a battle with the Minnesota Wild for second place in the division \u2014 and home-ice advantage in the likely first-round matchup between them.<\/p>\n

The Stars are two points ahead of the Wild. Both teams have five games remaining in the campaign, including a meeting on Thursday in the heart of Texas.<\/p>\n

The Stars saw their struggles continue with a 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, a clash that was every bit the heavyweight battle expected. Colorado opened the scoring past the midway point of the third period and added an empty-net goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw what you\u2019re probably in store for come playoff time,\u201d coach Glen Gulutzan said. \u201cEspecially in the Central (Division), just that tight checking, both teams willing to check.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not helping the Dallas cause is the injury list, with the likes of Roope Hintz, Radek Faksa, Sam Steel, Nathan Bastian and Michael Bunting out due to injury.<\/p>\n

Defenseman Tyler Myers is expected to play against Calgary, but all the others are believed to be readying for the playoffs. <\/p>\n

Dallas has mustered just four even-strength goals in its past four games.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think 5-on-5 offense (has to be a focus),\u201d forward Mikko Rantanen said. \u201cTry to get more zone time. \u2026 That\u2019s one thing we have to be better at the last five games and be better for the first series.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Flames are not yet officially eliminated from playoff contention, but would be bounced with a loss.<\/p>\n

Calgary (32-36-8, 72 points) has no margin for error, but continues to relish the role of spoiler. The Flames arrive in Dallas after claiming a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks, which knocked them from top spot in the Pacific Division.<\/p>\n

Calgary snapped a two-game losing skid in the third outing of a six-game road swing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a bit of a tough road trip at the end of the year, length and quality of opponent,\u201d forward Ryan Strome said. \u201cNice to get one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The victory was extra special for Strome. He was acquired by the Flames from Anaheim at the trade deadline, and with his family on hand, he scored once to collected his 500th career point.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a tough league to score in,\u201d Strome said. \u201cI just try to be consistent in my career as much as I could, and to be a steady point producer is not easy. I know it\u2019s not like Hall of Fame numbers or anything, but for me it\u2019s something that I\u2019m proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was not alone reaching a milestone. Morgan Frost scored twice and reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope one day I can score 30, but 20 is very cool for me,\u201d Frost said. \u201cSo I\u2019ll build for the next milestone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013Field Level Media<\/p>\n

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