The trend that’s becoming clear is that both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will have to be otherworldly if the Oilers are going to have a chance in this series. Either that, or Stuart Skinner and the defense have to step up and stop the Stars’ attack. But given Dallas’ performance in 5-on-5, that path looks unlikely.
When you’re one of the top four seeds in the nation, you deserve to have a few advantages. This might have gone a little too far in Texas A&M’s favor.
The short right field porch of O’Brate Stadium is calling Jac Caglianone’s name, and that could make Florida very dangerous in this regional. Meanwhile, Nebraska features the regional’s best pitcher and Niagara has nothing to lose.
This regional seems wide open, especially with both Dallas Baptist and West Virginia boasting plenty of base stealers and quality pitching. Arizona also has a pitching advantage, but the Wildcats faced a soft Pac-12 schedule.
Georgia certainly has the hitters to win the regional, but the Bulldogs’ pitching is very questionable. The same is true of fellow Power 6 school and rival Georgia Tech, whose ERA ranked dead last in the ACC. The best pitching in the regional might belong to North Carolina-Wilmington.
A 2-1 lead gives New York an edge in this series, even if the Rangers haven’t played to their level of expectations. Both of the past two games have resulted in overtime wins for New York, and they’ve survived without help from their power play.
This Florida-heavy regional has plenty of depth, as UCF and Stetson also bring talented lineups to Tallahassee to face Florida State and Alabama. In short, anyone could win this regional.
Dallas has dominated on the road, and it’s likely to continue to control the pace of play. As long as the Stars aren’t taking penalties, it’s unlikely that the Oilers are going to get back on top in this series.
The Oil looked good at the end of the series with Vancouver, but the Canucks also seemed overwhelmed by the moment. Dallas will not be intimidated. The Stars will be ready to raise their game here.