Dallas Stars: 3 takeaways from Game 1 win over Golden Knights
2. Powerful Penalty Kill
The Vegas Golden Knights had four power plays in Game 1. Heading into Game 1, they had converted on 20.5% of their chances. The Golden Knights weren’t able to score on any of those power plays in Game 1 and the Stars deserve a lot of credit for that.
On their four power plays, in 4:34 with an extra man on the ice, Vegas only managed to put up three shots on goal against Anton Khudobin. The Dallas Stars were able to keep the Golden Knights from using their power play to grab some momentum.
Quietly, the Stars penalty kill has been very good this postseason. Among teams who advanced at least one round, their 82.3% penalty kill percentage ranks fourth in the league during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Though their goaltending has been carrying the load (they’ve allowed the most expected goals against per hour on the penalty kill this postseason among the remaining teams), they say your goalie has to be your best penalty killer and that’s certainly true with the Stars.
Sunday’s performance was a great one from their skaters. Vegas got virtually nothing on the power play and Dallas was able to keep them from getting any second chances. They’ll need more performances like Game 1 if they want to beat the Golden Knights. Especially if the Stars have trouble staying out of the penalty box.