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Defending their cup, their honor Stars recognize Avalanche may be favored in West finals
Posted: Tuesday May 09, 2000 10:50 PM
DALLAS (AP) -- As the Dallas Stars prepare to meet the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals, the Stanley Cup champions are ready to take on a label they haven't had for years: underdogs. Although Dallas is the higher seed, Colorado is seen by many as the favorite because of how well the Avalanche have played lately. Since adding defenseman Ray Bourque, Colorado is 20-4-1. The Avs have gone 8-2 in the postseason to set up a rematch of last year's conference finals won by the Stars in seven games. Dallas also has gone 8-2 and is playing at its highest level since hoisting the Cup. The Stars have even been more impressive than last year's team that won the Stanley Cup. "This is going to be a great series, just like it was last year," said Dallas center Mike Modano. "We just have to keep focusing on the fact we're eight wins away." The first two games will be played in Dallas. The league has yet to announce a schedule for the series. Statistically, the teams are pretty even. The Avalanche and Stars have each lost just one game per round in setting up the rematch. Both have allowed 18 goals, though Colorado has scored two more than Dallas. Their matching playoff records have been achieved much differently. The Stars have played six one-goal games, winning five, while the Avalanche have had only three, winning two. One of Colorado's tight wins came in overtime; Dallas has yet to go to an extra period after doing so in five games over the first two rounds last postseason. Those minor differences are reflected in the similar ways the teams are built. Like Dallas, Colorado has four lines that are expected to produce, six quality defensemen and a superb, seasoned goaltender. Patrick Roy of the Avalanche has the most postseason wins in NHL history. Stars goalie Ed Belfour has been the best keeper the last three postseasons, leading Dallas to the conference finals each time. "I always like the challenge of playing against Patrick," Belfour said. "The games are always competitive. I don't expect anything different." Belfour has led the Stars to eight straight wins at Reunion Arena. He's had shutouts in four of them. "I'm feeling stronger and stronger," said Belfour, whose steadiness all season has helped the Stars win while working in new players and weathering a series of injuries. "A couple games, I didn't play well. But I feel I get better as the playoffs go on."
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