Game 1 Stray Observations (Round Two): Dallas takes the series lead over Winnipeg with a 3-2 win

Mikko Rantanen continues to be the savage of savages.

Am I believer? Maybe. Belief isn’t normally in my repertoire. I write the way I would want to read about hockey, and that means a host of things, but it very rarely has anything to do with little hairs standing on the back of my neck. But who isn’t impressed, by now? Who is not, entertained? Enchanted?

I don’t believe that Dallas stole that series versus Colorado. Special teams and coaching are as much a part of fielding advantages as raw shot totals. But the Stars definitely had to empty the tanks. That Round 1 matchup was as close as it was competitive, and in the end, it required one of the most obscene Stanley Cup performances in a single period you’ll ever see, courtesy of Mikko Rantanen. To that end, I wasn’t sure if the Stars had the juice for more cool runnings.

We’ll talk more about Rantanen — not that there’s much to say beyond various expletives — in the strays, but for now, I think the team as a whole deserves a lot of credit despite Rantanen deservedly taking the spotlight. The Stars outshot Winnipeg 23-22 at even strength, with an edge in high dancer chances 10-9, and a massive edge in expected goals at 2.7-1.98. It was a team effort versus a team that plays a strong team game.

With both teams are still waiting for their number one defenders, I’m not sure we learned much from Game 1. While Dallas had the edge at even-strength (something Winnipeg struggled with all year), the contest still had the aroma of two teams playing each other with the aim of not making a mistake. It’s an approach that will work for Dallas as long as they have a (Finnish) Hulk.

Jake Oettinger

Oettinger has been really good, but the first period really put a stamp on just how good. My personal assessment has always been he’s good but not elite. However, he’s still young despite having so much experience. His development into something closer to ‘elite’ territory was evident early on, even if the first goal undercut this general assessment. He didn’t face a ton of shots, but he faced some difficult ones and made it look easy. It goes without saying but it’s still worth saying: if Dallas wins a Cup, Oettinger is up there with Mikko Rantanen (not equal, mind you, but close) as a key figure.

Dallas’ PK vs. Winnipeg’s PP

At some point we’ll get into the film room for this matchup. Winnipeg is nothing like Colorado, as we discussed.

Where the Avalanche would crap their pants in response to the Stars playing the top of the ice aggressively, the Jets worked quick to play the puck down low to trap Dallas’ aggressors. It was great work from both sides, and it’ll be fascinating to watch through the series. The Jets will probably score some PP goals, unlike Colorado, but there’s no doubt about the Stars’ creds right now.

Mikko Rantanen: some kind of monster

Six goals in the past 14 minutes of icetime. Sometimes the numbers speak for themselves. Whatever level is above Conn Smythe, Rantanen is on it. I thought I’d have more to say here but Dimitri Filipovic’s Round 1 Mix will do a much better job.

Esa Lindell

Lindell is often given credit for being “invisible” which has always been a silly descriptor, and I think last night was a good example why: good defending should be visibly impactful, and Lindell once again held down the fort at even-strength and on the PK. Lindell’s presence is the reason why Dallas’ blueline is a bit stronger than it’s often criticized for. Dallas has a top pair, and a top anchor on their second pair.

The Winnipeg perspective

The Jets don’t have anything to be ashamed of. They played a pretty decent game, all things considered. However, I’m not sure Adam Lowry is the guy to “shutdown” the Roope Hintz line with Rantanen and Mikael Granlund. It’s kind of an impossible task to begin with, and he wasn’t awful, but if they can’t win this matchup at home, it doesn’t bode well for their future. The great equalizer here is Connor Hellebuyck. He looked fine, but the Jets don’t need “fine” from their all-world goaltender. They need great.