Stars seek response as back-to-back with Avalanche opens in Dallas
Glen Gulutzan welcomes consecutive meetings with Colorado as a test for Dallas after an uneven start to the season.
The Dallas Stars begin consecutive games against the Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The clubs meet again in Denver on Wednesday, giving Dallas an immediate test against a Central Division rival.
Coach Glen Gulutzan said the timing could help the Stars find a better level of play. In the club’s game-day report, he described Colorado as the kind of opponent that could draw a stronger performance from a Dallas team he believes has yet to play its best hockey.
Dallas enters at 2-2-1 after a 2-1 shootout loss in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Colorado is 3-2-0. Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, with the return meeting also set for 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, according to the NHL schedule.
Jake Oettinger said meetings with Colorado carry the intensity of a playoff game and offer a measure of where the Stars stand. He also pointed to the challenge of getting past the Avalanche in the division race.
Mikko Rantanen, who previously played for Colorado, said facing familiar teammates remains enjoyable. He stressed the importance of the two games in a demanding division.
Nathan MacKinnon brings 10 points through Colorado’s first five games into the series. The Avalanche forward scored twice against Toronto in his most recent appearance.
Dallas could also have more options in its lineup. The Stars reported that Joel Kiviranta and Radek Faksa practised Monday after recent injuries and could be available Tuesday; the club had not confirmed their returns in that report.
