The key for the Stars is Connor Hellebuyck, almost certain to win his third Vezina Trophy in six years, continuing to play poorly on the road. He wasn’t good in any of the three games at St. Louis. The Blues won them all but could not win a single game in Manitoba.

Both teams had spectacular Game 7 comebacks while missing a star forward and top defenseman. That makes this series a tough call.

The Dallas Stars are on to Round 2. After taking down Colorado in seven games, the Stars will face the Winnipeg Jets to continue their Stanley Cup Playoff push. Dallas has plenty of key pieces to work with in the second round and could get another boost with the possible returns of Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson.