So far in the Stanley Cup finals, the Dallas Stars have had one of their worst series games yet versing the Tampa Bay lightning. The Stars suffered under the Lightning’s overwhelming skill and determination to win. Dallas had been affected by a weak defense and a slow moving offense and Tampa added to the fire with its solid defense and quick on their feet offense. 

Game 1 had been a lucky win for Dallas after some well placed checks and slot passes, but this made the Lightning step up their defensive game and crack down on keeping the puck in the neutral zone and offensive zone. 

Dallas failed to keep a winning streak going and lost game 2 3-2. Dallas’s defense was uncoordinated and played way too much zone coverage and did not attack the puck enough. They could not capitalize off of power plays and failed to keep the puck in the offensive zone. 

Game 3 was a humiliating loss for Dallas. The Lightning played a very strong offensive game and aggressively forchecked in the neutral and offensive zone to put pressure on the defense. Stamkos returned after an injury and scored on his first shift after putting pressure on the defense in the neutral zone. This boosted Tampa’s morale and put Dallas into a less aggressive play style. Dallas suffered because of its weak defense in front of the net and Tampa’s movement. Tampa was able to use the defense at the points and was able to wait for an open opportunity to shoot the puck. Dallas on the other hand just could not get the puck in the offensive zone because of continuous dumping and changing when they should have been dumping and changing and, like Tampa, putting pressure on the defense below the goal line. Tampa has had a phenomenal season so far and beating Dallas should be a cake walk for them.