VGK Outlook: While Dallas shutout the Golden Knights in Game 1, Vegas earned their own shutout in Game 2 and will look to continue their streak going headed into Thursday's matchup. Vegas will need to continue playing as the five-man unit that took away passing lanes, space and time from the Stars in Game 2. They'll also look to continue finding offense from forwards Shea Theodore (6g, 11a), Mark Stone (6g, 9p) and Alex Tuch (8g, 2a).
VGK Player to Watch: All eyes are on net as the Golden Knights prepare for Game 3, but Head Coach Pete DeBoer is staying silent on which of Vegas' goaltenders will get the nod. Marc-Andre Fleury got the start ahead of Game 1 while Robin Lehner, the team's go-to goalie this post-season, took center stage for Game 2. As the Stars look to spark their offense, whoever is in net will need to be on point.
DAL Outlook: Despite a high-scoring series against Colorado, the Stars are in search of offense ahead of Game 3. Dallas shut out Vegas 1-0 in Game 1 but were subsequently shut out by the Golden Knights in a 3-0 loss during Game 2. With Ben Bishop not having played a game since Aug. 31, Dallas will need to see more exceptional goaltending from back-up netminder Anton Khudobin and potentially from rookie Jake Oettinger, who made his NHL debut in Game 2. The team's defense will also need to clamp down and take away as much space as possible as they look to shut down the top-ranked Golden Knights.
DAL Player to Watch: While newcomer Joel Kiviranta had the magic touch in Game 7 against the Avalanche and young up-and-comers Miro Heiskanen and Denis Gurianov have both seen their fair share of points, the Stars need there veteran players to step up and set the tone. Forward Tyler Seguin currently sits at 9th on the team in points with only two goals and five assists across 17 games played. As a top-tier scorer in the league who's averaged .86 points per game across his career, Seguin could provide the spark the Stars need to get their offense started.
