Into The Weeds: With an obnoxiously early look at Dallas versus the Pacific
Who stands in Dallas' way if they get out of the Central? Plus a modest proposal about how to "fix" the lines.
I gave some ammo to the doomers yesterday. Today we’re taking it back.
Part of what gets lost in the narrative about Dallas, and just how elite they are, is that they’re in the Central. And the Central is brutal. Winnipeg is an elite team. Colorado, while not the most elite team, is certainly one of hockey’s most dangerous. Don’t look now, but even with St. Louis minus Colton Parayko, both the Blues and the Wild could be holding the other two wild card spots when all is said and done.
For years, the seat of power in the West has felt like it was in the Pacific though. Vegas won a Stanley Cup two years ago, but Edmonton has consistently hung around, feeling a lot like the Next Man Up. Sure enough, the Oilers got their shot last year by coming out from the West as Florida’s ultimate challenger. And surely having the best player in the world means that progress is linear. They’ll get there, right?
I’m not so sure. When Dallas beat Vegas and Colorado, the conventional wisdom was that Dallas was taking a step down versus Edmonton. Sure they deserved playoff respect, but were they really a step up? Yes, in fact. That was the whole point of my lengthy preview.
2024 Western Conference Final Preview: Into the weeds with the Stars vs. Oilers
By now the book on Dallas is written: with Jake Oettinger firmly in-the-zone, the Stars are a four-line forward core, and a top four of the best two-way defenders in the game. They’re, in a word: perfect. And now their trail of fallen rivals includes the former 2023 Cup champs, and the former 2022 Cup champs. Not a bad resume. In fact, it’s almost
The Oilers team was legit. Having the best player on any given night goes a long way in a strong-link sport.
But this season is different. Where before, Dallas getting out of the Central in a playoff run would have meant harder and harder final bosses, this season is different. I don’t believe the Pacific is what it used to be. At least not according to some of these numbers. And if you know me, you know I love me some spreadsheets. Even more than the games. And if you know me better, then you know I’m being facetious because the Spreadsheet Watching Hockey Writer Who Doesn’t Watch Games is the dumbest strawman in all of hockey.
So with that out the way, let’s get serious very early about the road ahead should Dallas make it out of the Central.