Series Breakdown: Stars vs. Oilers
By Brian Engblom
Special to ESPN.com
It seems like these two teams always meet in the playoffs. Can the Oilers upset the Stars like they did in 1997? Check out which team has the edge, and then see what I think the outcome will be.
Matching up 5-on-5
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Dallas' offense is tough to read statistically because the Stars have been so decimated by injuries. They have done so much with so little and are not an offensively geared team. Now, they are healthier than they have been all season. Jere Lehtinen will be a key for them. Dallas still may operate under the same approach -- play defense first and take goals when they can get them. Mike Modano has been spectacular all season. If Brett Hull gets hot, the offense will flourish. Edmonton's offense is based on speed. The Oilers, with their playoff reputation, have to work the fear factor against Dallas. Doug Weight has been outstanding and is a multi-talented game-breaker. Although Edmonton has excellent, underrated defensemen, the Oilers tend to be reckless, making them defensively vulnerable. And Dallas is the smartest team in the league. How Edmonton creates offense will be critical. The Stars' Sergei Zubov may return during the series. How long he is out could make a difference.
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Special teams
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Both teams are average on the power play, but the problem for the Oilers is that they have to go against one of the best penalty-killing units ever, since the NHL has been keeping statistics. Dallas, which finished at 89.3 percent, has the most intelligent, best and most consistent penalty killers. The Oilers can't rely on their power play and try to win on special teams. The Oilers must be careful and disciplined against Dallas.
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Goaltending
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Tommy Salo is an underrated goalie, one who doesn't get much media exposure because of where he plays. He will give Dallas fits. But Ed Belfour is better. He has been the single biggest reason Dallas ended up in first place in the Pacific Division. Coach Ken Hitchcock said around 12 points could be attributed to Belfour's play alone.
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Intangibles
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BREAKDOWN
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EDGE
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Dallas has overcome injuries all season and accomplished so much that their confidence level has to be pretty high. The Stars have the mentality that they can overcome any obstacle. That's a strong factor for the playoffs. Edmonton still has its playoff reputation, but the Oilers have to reestablish it until they win another series. There is no pressure on the Oilers because no one expects them to win.
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PREDICTION
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Stars in six. The difference will be Belfour and Dallas' typically smart defensive play. The Oilers won't be able to score enough goals.
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Brian Engblom, a former NHL star with the Canadiens, serves as an NHL analyst for ESPN and ABC.
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