A Western Conference battle between Dallas and Vegas

In the past few weeks, one period has stood out for its intensity . . . the first period against the Colorado Avalanche.
The game felt like a playoff game to start, with every player dialed in at 100 percent for every shift. The schedule and fatigue got to the Stars in the second period, and they eventually lost a 5-2 game (with two empty-net goals), but the experience was certainly memorable. Fast forward to Saturday afternoon, and there's the potential to see an entire game of that caliber. The Stars will play host to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday in a nationally televised game. Both teams are rested and playing well, and both teams are fighting for positioning in the standings.

"It's important," said forward Joe Pavelski, who is on a five-game goal scoring streak. "They're a good team, they're playing well. We've had competitive games against them, so we know they're coming in ready. And obviously, there's still a lot to play for in the standings."

Vegas has opened up a cushion for first place in the West, as they are 49-22-8 for 106 points with three games to play. Dallas is 43- 21-14 with four games remaining, so it needs a win to have any chance of reaching top seed in the conference. Dallas beat Vegas twice this season (4-0, 3-2 SO) and the games carried some emotion, as coaches Pete DeBoer and Steve Spott were let go by the Golden Knights after last season. That should be another boost in the intensity of the game.
"We're all fighting for the conference," DeBoer said. "It's a big game against what, so far, has been the best team in the West. So, great challenge for us."

Vegas is 14-3-2 in its past 19 games. It is coming off a convincing 5-2 win over the Kings on Thursday. Dallas is 12-5-1 in its past 18 games and started a three-game homestand with wins over Nashville (5-1) and Philadelphia (4-1).
"It's obviously a team that's right up there, so it will be a fun one," defenseman Colin Miller said. "That game against Colorado, this is very much the same. It should be an intense one."

It was clear in the Colorado game just what was on the line, as the two teams were battling for first place in the Division. The Avalanche played very well at home, and the Stars were with them every step of the way early on before the fatigue of back-to-backs set in. Pavelski said these games feel different.
"Over the years, you kind of figure out whether you're scratching for that last playoff spot or you're trying to get the seeding. The points feel like they mean a little more," Pavelski said. "It was a fast first period, the crowd feels it, and I think the players feel it. So, these are good tests at this time of the year."
Roope Hintz (lower body) missed last game and did not practice on Friday. He is a game-time decision. Mason Marchment (lower body) will miss his 12th consecutive game, but he skated on Friday and is getting closer, DeBoer said. The expectation is that Thomas Harley will continue to play beside Miller, as the 21-year-old defenseman has looked good after a call up to the NHL two games ago.
"We've tried to ramp up our game," Miller said. "Down the stretch here, you want to be playing good hockey and not having to start that once you get in there."
Key Numbers
25-8-8
Vegas is 25-8-8 in one-goal games, which partly explains its spot atop the West. The Golden Knights rank 14th in goals for, 11th in goals against, 18th in power play success and 20th on the penalty kill. Dallas ranks seventh in scoring, sixth in goals against, sixth on the power play and third on the penalty kill, but is 11-6-14 in one-goal games.
25-7-7
Vegas has the third best road record in the NHL at 25-7-7. Dallas ranks 14th in home record at 20-10-9.
1.27
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger is 3-0-0 in his career against Vegas with a 1.27 GAA and .962 save percentage.
He said it
"I think there's still more to go. I think he's doing what I expected him to do, but he's so talented and he's still a young defenseman that I still believe he has another level. I think this was a kind of coming out party as one of the elite offensive, two-way defensemen in the league. Hopefully he's just scratching the surface. I believe he is."
- Stars coach Pete DeBoer on Miro Heiskanen, who has set a career-high with 69 points (11 goals, 58 assists) and is closing in on Sergei Zubov's single season Dallas Stars record for defenseman scoring of 71 points.
Expected lineup
Robertson-Seguin-Pavelski
Benn-Johnston-Dadonov
Kiviranta-Domi-Dellandrea
Olofsson-Faksa-Glendening
Suter-Heiskanen
Lindell-Hakanpää
Harley-Miller
Oettinger
Wedgewood
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika