The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers are both looking to stave off elimination in their respective Game 6s.
Wallstedt’s Impressive Performance
Minnesota Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt has been a standout performer, turning away at least 27 shots in each of the first four games of this series before stopping 20 of 22 shots in Game 5.
He’s sporting a .926 save percentage with 4.74 goals saved above expected in the postseason.
It is expected the Dallas Stars will push for more pucks on net at five-on-five, though they haven’t scored at even strength since the first period of Game 3.
Carlson’s Tough Assignments
Anaheim Ducks veteran John Carlson has recorded two or more blocks in each of the first four games of the series for nine total, logging big minutes with 24:29 per night this postseason.
Carlson’s 52.9 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 is solid, and he is being tasked with tough assignments against Edmonton Oilers stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
Carlson is also on the No. 2 penalty-kill unit.
Bouchard’s Shooting Struggles
Edmonton Oilers star Evan Bouchard is struggling to thread the needle, with his 27 attempts resulting in just seven shots (25.9%) through the first five games of Round 1.
During the regular season, Bouchard converted 47.2% of his attempts into shots.
Despite the heightened emphasis on opponents blocking shots in the playoffs, statistical correction is expected for Bouchard.
He quarterbacks the No. 1 power-play unit and has averaged 24:59 of ice time this postseason while taking 58.3% of his 5-on-5 faceoffs in the offensive zone.
The opportunities will continue to be there in Game 6.
The Minnesota Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt looks to backstop his team to Round 2.