Stars, Battling for First-Round Home Ice, Seek Improvement vs. Flames

Dallas looks to regain momentum as playoff race tightens in the Central Division

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames, with the players and ice deconstructed into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the style of Pablo Picasso. The color palette features the official team colors, creating a visually striking and conceptual representation of the high-stakes matchup.As the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames battle for playoff positioning, the game is reduced to a dynamic, cubist clash of geometric forms and team colors.Anaheim Today

The Dallas Stars, who have already clinched a playoff spot, are focused on securing home-ice advantage in the first round as they host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. The Stars have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games and winning just twice in their past nine outings. They currently hold a two-point lead over the Minnesota Wild for second place in the Central Division, with both teams having five games remaining in the regular season.

Why it matters

Home-ice advantage in the playoffs can be a significant advantage, and the Stars are in a tight race to secure that edge over the Wild. The Stars' recent slump has allowed Minnesota to close the gap, making their matchup on Thursday a crucial game in the division standings.

The details

The Stars' offensive production has been a concern, as they have managed just four even-strength goals in their last four games. Coach Glen Gulutzan acknowledged the need to improve their 5-on-5 play, saying, 'That's one thing we have to be better at the last five games and be better for the first series.' The Stars are also dealing with a number of injuries, with players like Roope Hintz, Radek Faksa, Sam Steel, Nathan Bastian, and Michael Bunting sidelined.

  • The Stars and Flames will face off on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Stars will host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a crucial divisional matchup.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Mikko Rantanen

A forward for the Dallas Stars.

Ryan Strome

A forward for the Calgary Flames, who recently reached the 500-point milestone in his career.

Morgan Frost

A forward for the Calgary Flames, who scored twice in the team's recent win over the Anaheim Ducks to reach the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'You saw what you're probably in store for come playoff time. Especially in the Central (Division), just that tight checking, both teams willing to check.'”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“'I think 5-on-5 offense (has to be a focus). Try to get more zone time. … That's one thing we have to be better at the last five games and be better for the first series.'”

— Mikko Rantanen, Forward, Dallas Stars

“'This is a bit of a tough road trip at the end of the year, length and quality of opponent. Nice to get one.'”

— Ryan Strome, Forward, Calgary Flames

“'It's a tough league to score in. I just try to be consistent in my career as much as I could, and to be a steady point producer is not easy. I know it's not like Hall of Fame numbers or anything, but for me it's something that I'm proud of.'”

— Ryan Strome, Forward, Calgary Flames

“'I hope one day I can score 30, but 20 is very cool for me. So I'll build for the next milestone.'”

— Morgan Frost, Forward, Calgary Flames

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will face off on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a crucial divisional matchup that could determine the second-place finisher in the Central Division and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Stars' recent struggles have tightened the race for second place in the Central Division, with the Wild now just two points behind. Dallas will need to regain its offensive rhythm and shore up its 5-on-5 play to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, which could be a significant advantage against a tough opponent like the Flames.