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Reactions: Dallas/Edmonton Users predict the Stars will shine bright over the Oilers
Posted: Monday April 24, 2000 05:24 PM
Users aren't sure if the Stars will repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, but they are pretty confident they can get past the Oilers in the first opening series. Despite injuries at the beginning of the season, users like how they bounced back with an impressive season. A collection of some of our users' most interesting responses follows: Dallas is a great team. There is no question in most people's minds that they'll win this series and I agree -- even though I'm a hardcore Oilers fan. What is important in this series is how banged up and tired the Stars are going to be after a hard fought battle with Edmonton. Considering that they'll likely face Detroit in the second round, I don't think they'll have enough left in the tank. Any hopes of a repeat will likely fade into obscurity against a highly skilled Red Wings team.
The Stars have more in the tank this year than they did last year. Except for Guy Carbenou, this team is a lot younger than last year's Stanley Cup Championship team. With Mike Modano, the league's most underrated player, and Brett Hull, the Stars offense will have no problem picking apart the Oilers defense. The Stars defense led by Hatcher and Belfour is probably the best in the game. I feel a sweep coming on.
It is just like in baseball. The New York Yankees are the team to beat. Until someone dethrones them, the series will go through them. Dallas is the same way. They have the expertise and the talent on the team. No matter how battered they were this year, they still posted the third best standing in the NHL. You have to give it to the coach and the players. Strategy is the key. Experience is the key. Dallas has been there. What other teams can say that?
Although the Stars won the cup and have gained valuable experience on what it takes to do so, I'm going to take the Oilers in seven. Edmonton's speed and aggressive play helped them defeat the Stars three years ago. Edmonton, perennial under performers in the regular season have the knack of pulling off the upset (Dallas, Colorado). Edmonton has excellent goaltending, Tommy Salo, and a young group lead by Doug Weight (72pts) that love to skate and hit. Although being swept last year in four straight, majority of the games were by one goal and coach Ken Hitchcock was quoted as saying "We may have swept them in four but if felt like fourteen," referring to Edmonton's fast pace and hard-hitting style.
Last year's Stanley Cup champions are going to have a tough time repeating and the road will end in Edmonton.
Stars finish with 102 points, and win Pacific Division. If you would've told me at the beginning of the season all the injuries the Stars were going to face, I would have bet against them making the playoffs, much less win the division. Every time the Stars were written off this season they bounced back -- same for the playoffs.
The Stars have played very well this year. They have managed to finish the season with a great record despite missing several key players. Having Lehtinen back in the lineup gives them greater depth and the option of playing four solid lines right through the first round. They will be in prime shape when they play stronger teams like Detroit and St Louis.
The Oilers want it more than Dallas. But Dallas has too much talent. It would be a miracle if Edmonton took the series.
The Stars will definitely make it past round one. They are a very gritty and veteran team that knows when to step it up to the next level. The Stars will ride there first round victory and take the momentum to once again kiss the cup!
Despite the Oilers' explosive speed and young talent, the Stars will be the victors in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Last year, Edmonton played well, but weak goaltending and poor play behind the blue line combined with the Stars' hunger to create a no-win situation. Dallas' stifling defense will prevent the Oilers from getting more than a handful of great scoring opportunities, and Belfour has what it takes to backstop the team all the way to the finals. If the Oilers want to have a chance in this series they will have to find a way to solve Belfour and generate plenty of rebounds with strong play in front of the net. Dallas' big four forwards, Lehtinen, Hull, Modano and Nieuwendyk, are back and in playoff form. Age before beauty. The Stars' work ethic and classic defense will easily make the Oilers' young talent look like boys playing with the real men.
I believe that this will be the best series of the first round. And with the late acquisition of a defensive pairing from Chicago, the Stars should be able to pull it out in seven.
Don't be fooled by the Stars slide at the end of the season. Considering everything they have been through this year, rapping up the Pacific with time at hand gave key players time to rest physically as well as letting the team rest mentally. There may be no on/off button in hockey, but the Stars have been there before and know what it takes to win in the playoffs. Lets also not forget that the Oilers haven't spoiled anything since they let Cujo scamper away.
We can all remember what happened to poor Edmonton last year. Never underestimate the heart of a champion. They know what it takes, and they have what it takes to repeat.
I was not sure what team the Oilers would do better against... Bring on the Stars, I don't think Dallas wants to see those pesky Oilers again. If there is a team that can make Stars fall, the Oilers are it.
The Oilers were able to upset the Stars before in the first round -- but it won't happen this year. The Stars will easily dispose of the Oilers but that will be it, they won't repeat as Stanley cup champs, the Blues will see to that.
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