Stars Game 1 - Enough to like, not enough to win.

Dallas competes, hangs in, but eventually gets pushed out in 5-1 home loss to start the series. Can they get back in it in Game 2?

Jake Oettinger was strong in Game 1

It was another frustrating Game 1 for the Stars, extending a hard-to-believe, and almost impossible to pull off run of 8 straight playoff series opening game losses.

It’s frustrating. Maddening. Being a fan is a different experience for everyone, and my fandom with the Stars goes back to 1967, and includes a quarter-of-a-century in the employ of the club, during the franchises' most successful and championship days.

So I get cranky… I’d like to see another Cup here…so I’m - ticked off.

BUT - BUT - and it’s a big BUT - we saw some really good things from a team struggling to get it’s game together at a time when you can’t be struggling to get your game together - starting with Jake Oettinger.

Officially the Stars goaltender stopped 19/23. That’s not gonna blow anyone away. But he was sharp, he was timely, and he got beat on 2 flukes that gave Colorado all they’d need to choke out the rest of the game.

Luck plays.

There’s other things to like too. And, of course, there’s some things to point out that we don’t like. But there’s a way through the series here.

Let’s talk Game 1 - and get ready for Game 2 - beginning with what Stars were great - so let’s talk a little Jake, Harley, Mush, and a few more….