DALLAS -- It all comes down to this - a season-ending four-game homestand that begins Saturday against the Seattle Kraken. What's on the line for the Stars? Everything.
Yes, the Stars are in a playoff spot as of now, but their room for error is gone. With 91 points (43-30-5), Dallas is two points up on Vegas with both teams even in games played (78). Vegas doesn't play until Sunday when it hosts San Jose, so the Stars could either be four points up by then or risk falling out of a playoff spot if they lose Saturday and the Golden Knights beat the Sharks. Regardless of what happens, Tuesday is shaping up to be a can't-miss game when the Stars host the Golden Knights at American Airlines Center.
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Before that happens, the Stars must take care of business against the Kraken. Dallas has had its struggles against teams near the bottom of the standings (notably Ottawa, Montreal, Arizona and even Seattle), but nothing short of a win Saturday will be acceptable.
Home is where the Stars have been their best, and they can't ask for anything more favorable than four straight at American Airlines Center to close out the season. The fan support has been strong all season long, and the Stars are looking forward to feeding off the raucous atmosphere inside AAC.
"We're going home with great fans, and if we have to do it the hard way, we'll do it the hard way," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "We get back to a great atmosphere in our rink. We still control our own destiny, we just have to take full advantage of it, and we're going to."
They've gone 24-10-3 at AAC, have points in three straight (2-0-1) and five of the past six (3-1-2). They earned a 5-2 victory over Seattle in the series opener on Jan. 12 that saw Joe Pavelski record the most points by any player in a single game against the Kraken this season (5).
Simply put, if the Stars run the table, they'll be in the playoffs with 99 points. But they could also clinch as early as Tuesday if they win Saturday, Vegas loses Sunday and the Stars beat the Golden Knights on Tuesday.
Start with Saturday and move from there.
Destiny rests in their hands.
Great seats are still available for tonight's game against the Seattle Kraken! Get your tickets now!
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.
