2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Review: (P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (W2) Dallas Stars

Series Summary

Anaheim would start Game 1 with 3 goals in the first period. The Duck would extend their lead to 4 goals before the Stars started to come back. A Tyler Seguin tip-in in the third would pull the Stars within one, but they were unable to tie it. Anaheim would take Game 1 about almost blowing a 4-0 lead. Dallas looked to tie the series up, scoring the opening goal in Game 2. Anaheim would tie the game up before the first period ended. Corey Perry would blast one past Kari Lehtonen to give the Ducks the lead in the second. The Ducks would add another to their lead in the third before the Stars would attempt to come back (again). Once again, Dallas could only get within a goal, failing to tie the game. Down 2 games in the series, Dallas would finally get a win under their belt in Game 3. Lehtonen would stop 37 shots in the 3-0 shutout. Scoring in pairs was the story in Game 4. Anaheim would score twice in the first, then Dallas would score 2 goals of their own in the second. In the end, Dallas would add to more in the third, winning the game and tying the series up. Special teams would do the scoring in the first period of Game 5, as 2 Ducks powerplay goals would sandwich a Stars shorthanded goal. The Ducks would score another powerplay goal early in the second. The Stars would add another goal in the second to keep within 1. Dallas fell apart in the third, as they game up 3 goals within the first 7 minutes in the third, effectively putting the game out of reach. Facing elimination, Dallas would build a lead in the first and hang on for most of the game. They couldn't hang on for the end of regulation, as the Stars would blow their 2-goal lead late in the third. Nick Bonino would end the game minutes into overtime, giving the Ducks the win and the series. The Ducks eliminate the Stars in 6 games.

Games

Dallas Stars 3
Anaheim Ducks 4

Dallas Stars 2
Anaheim Ducks 3

Anaheim Ducks 0
Dallas Stars 3

Anaheim Ducks 2
Dallas Stars 4

Dallas Stars 2
Anaheim Ducks 6

Anaheim Ducks 5 (OT)
Dallas Stars 4

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. It took more than a puck to the face and the birth of a child to keep Ryan Getzlaf out of the lineup (upper body injuries are a different story).
2. It is baffling why Selanne would get healthy scratch. He might not have been producing, but the playoffs aren't exactly the time to bench a guy who has skill like that. 
3. Tough break for Stephane Robidas. Gets traded from Dallas to Anaheim, recovers from a leg injury, and gets another one against the team that traded him.

Picture(s) of the Series

Corey Perry plays Roshambo with a couple of Stars during this series.



(Image via SomeHockeyVideos)



(Image via SomeHockeyVideos)

Highlight of the Series

Great finish by Palmieri. Even better pass by Bonino.