This marks their sixth consecutive playoff series over three postseasons, with the fourth happening at home, where they head into Game 2 after losing the opener.
“It’s not what we hoped for, we know that. And it’s definitely not the plan,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer on Wednesday. “You’re kind of risking it when you keep finding yourself in that position,” noted forward Joe Pavelski.
As they gear up for Game 2 of their second-round Western Conference series against Colorado on Thursday night (9:30 p.m. ET/TNT), the Stars aim to avoid a repeat of the opening round. Two weeks ago, they dropped the first two games at home to Vegas, last year’s Stanley Cup champion, although they did manage to rally and win in seven games.
In the lone NHL playoff game on Thursday, the Carolina Hurricanes head back home facing their own 0-2 deficit against the Rangers. New York has secured victories in all six of its games this postseason, including a 4-3 double-overtime win on Tuesday night.
Last year, Dallas lost Game 1 at home twice but managed to win the second game in each series, eventually rebounding to advance: in six games against Minnesota and seven against Seattle.
The 2022 Cup champion Avalanche have clinched five consecutive wins since the start of these playoffs, bouncing back from a chaotic 7-6 loss at Winnipeg. Colorado secured a 4-3 overtime victory at Dallas, following a week-long break between games and an early 3-0 deficit in the first period.
“I definitely feel more comfortable when I’m playing consistently,” said Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who netted the game-tying goal in the first minute of the third period. “I don’t enjoy having time off. But I think we’ll improve as we play Games 2-3-4.”
