The key for the Stars is Connor Hellebuyck, almost certain to win his third Vezina Trophy in six years, continuing to play poorly on the road. He wasn’t good in any of the three games at St. Louis. The Blues won them all but could not win a single game in Manitoba.

Both teams had spectacular Game 7 comebacks while missing a star forward and top defenseman. That makes this series a tough call.

There was that natural inclination for Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer to start paying more attention to St. Louis while watching the game that would determine who his team would play next in the NHL playoffs.