Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars exemplifies the structured habits many NHL players adopt to prepare for games. His routine includes a two-hour nap, a specific meal of pasta and salmon, and reviewing pregame notes. This habitual framework helps players enter the right mindset, whether it involves their dressing order or warm-up methods. Other players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Mikko Rantanen also share culinary preferences that reflect their game-day rituals, emphasizing the importance of comfort food.

Furthermore, the psychological aspects of these routines are notable. Players like Scott Wedgewood engage in specific on-ice actions before each period, while coaches such as Pete DeBoer have their own pregame traditions. Such rituals, while sometimes seen as superstitions, are core to their game-day preparations, ensuring they maintain focus and readiness for performance.

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing significant injury concerns heading into their next game. Goaltender Frederik Andersen was absent from the morning skate, with coach Rod Brind'Amour stating he is day-to-day. Spencer Martin took his place on the ice. Additionally, forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is nursing a cut above his eye from a previous match. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars report that Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson are both in stable condition regarding their injuries.

In other news, Marcus Johansson returned from a lower-body injury for the Minnesota Wild, while Filip Gustavsson missed the third period of his last game due to an illness. The New Jersey Devils have confirmed Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon will miss the series. The St. Louis Blues' Tyler Tucker is also day-to-day after an injury, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Brandon Hagel will not play in their upcoming game. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are hopeful for Nikolaj Ehlers' return soon, although he is still considered week-to-week.

The NHL playoffs intensify as several series reach critical junctures. The Ottawa Senators face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a tightly contested series, currently led by the Maple Leafs 3-2. After a strong 6-2 win in Game 1, the Senators responded with a 4-0 victory in Game 5. The Florida Panthers lead their matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1, showcasing a dominant performance in Game 4.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are a game away from eliminating the Canadiens after a strong series, with Game 5 approaching. The New Jersey Devils, however, were ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games, despite a spirited effort in Game 3. In the west, the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are locked at 2-2 in a tight series, while the Dallas Stars lead the Colorado Avalanche 3-2, with both teams showing their resilience. The Golden Knights hold an edge over the Minnesota Wild, also leading 3-2. The playoffs are heating up with potential game-deciding clashes coming soon.

Mikko Rantanen's season has taken an unexpected twist, marked by a pair of trades that uprooted him from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and subsequently to the Dallas Stars. Adjusting to a new team and style of play, Rantanen struggled initially in the playoffs, tallying only an assist in his first four games against his former team. However, he found his rhythm in Game 5, scoring his first playoff goal as a Star and adding two assists in a 6-2 victory, showcasing his potential to thrive within Dallas's more structured game.

The transition from Colorado's freewheeling offense to Dallas's more disciplined approach has been a challenge for Rantanen, who excelled with high point totals alongside Nathan MacKinnon. As Matt Duchene noted, the Stars' style emphasizes a gritty, mistake-free game that contrasts sharply with what Rantanen is accustomed to, leading to a necessary adjustment period. Stars head coach Pete DeBoer echoed this sentiment, praising Rantanen's commitment to embracing the new system.

The Dallas Stars, under coach Pete DeBoer, showcased immense resilience in their Game 5 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, igniting the crowd at the American Airlines Center. DeBoer highlighted how the energy from the fans boosted the team's performance, especially after a tough Game 4. Wyatt Johnston emerged as a pivotal player, thriving in high-pressure situations and delivering when it mattered most. DeBoer previously called for more contributions from the team's stars, and they responded with a strong showing in Game 5.

DeBoer acknowledged the psychological challenges of playoff hockey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive edge among players. He noted that some teams rise to the occasion while others falter under pressure. Additionally, he expressed confidence in rookie Lian Bichsel, who has quickly become a fan favorite for his physical playing style. In terms of injuries, Miro Heiskanen is making progress; while his status remains uncertain, DeBoer confirmed he has encountered no setbacks in his recovery.