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ravencallscrowsIt has become as much a hallmark of the advent of spring as the return of swallows to San Juan Capistrano, as much as religious holidays. It is, of course, the annual playoff matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars.
These two teams have met in the first round of the NHL playoffs five of the last six years. Only once has Edmonton won the series. This year proved to be no different.
True to form, though, it was a hard-fought, closely contested matchup. No blowouts between these two. Unlike many series, first goal means nothing in a Stars-Oilers tilt.
Because of the rivalry which has built between these two teams, there's a little something extra in every hit. Players take this series personally, and it's somewhat more common to see extracurricular conflicts between contestants than in most. A finished check is more likely to have a facewash tossed in for seasoning just as a general statement.
Dallas gains a bit of an edge in the physical department, but not enough to be decisive. Where they did prove to be the better team was defensively, shutting down many of the Oiler scoring threats. In the end, that's what wins playoff series, although the Oilers did take the Stars to six games in the process.
These two teams have met in the first round of the NHL playoffs five of the last six years. Only once has Edmonton won the series. This year proved to be no different.
True to form, though, it was a hard-fought, closely contested matchup. No blowouts between these two. Unlike many series, first goal means nothing in a Stars-Oilers tilt.
Because of the rivalry which has built between these two teams, there's a little something extra in every hit. Players take this series personally, and it's somewhat more common to see extracurricular conflicts between contestants than in most. A finished check is more likely to have a facewash tossed in for seasoning just as a general statement.
Dallas gains a bit of an edge in the physical department, but not enough to be decisive. Where they did prove to be the better team was defensively, shutting down many of the Oiler scoring threats. In the end, that's what wins playoff series, although the Oilers did take the Stars to six games in the process.
