Saturday, March 8, 5:30 PM on NHL, FSN, FSSW

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Every one of the 20 games left in the 2013/14 season is crucial for the Stars and they especially must win home games against conference foes like Saturday night's matchup at the American Airlines Center. As it stands the Stars hold the 8th seed and a likely first round matchup with Anaheim but in no way are Phoenix (1 game), Winnipeg (1 game), or Vancouver (2 games) ready to throw in the white flag yet.

Barring a Jean Van de Velde -like meltdown the Wild are in the 2014 playoffs. Their projected matchup against St. Louis isn't favorable but neither are any of the top 4 seeds in the West (Anaheim, Chicago, San Jose). The Wild are playing good hockey right now, winning three straight after the Olympic break not to mention 2 right before it.

When Minnesota visits the Stars, the Wild will be well rested. Their last game was almost a week before, a 3-2 victory over Calgary on Monday night. Some time to think might be just what Minnesota needs, specifically some reflection about the last time they visited the American Airlines arena, a 4-0 blanking at the hands of the Stars.

While Dallas may have more weary legs than Minnesota after a Thursday night game against Vancouver, they've got confidence in the way they treated the Wild on that January 21st meeting. They scored in every period and drew 10 penalties out of Minnesota, including a 2:00 abuse of officials call late in the 2nd. It appears Dallas might have a way to get under Minnesota's skin, especially as they allowed only 18 shots on goal. Every game is different but the heavily favored Stars (-130) were easy victors that night.