The Dallas Stars have positioned themselves on the brink of advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, leading their series against the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 following a commanding Game 5 victory. With Game 6 set to take place in Denver, the Stars aim to replicate last year's success in this high-stakes matchup, where they eliminated the Avalanche in a double-overtime thriller. However, the Stars are aware of the urgency that comes with Colorado's situation, as they face elimination and will surely bring their best effort.

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen emphasized the importance of starting strong, recalling their swift lead in Game 5, while also noting that the playoff atmosphere demands a relentless approach against a desperate opponent. Historically, NHL teams with a 3-2 series lead win approximately 79% of the time; for the Stars, this figure rises to an impressive 94.1% in their last 30 years. Coach Pete DeBoer remains confident, having a perfect 8-0 record in Game 7s, should the series extend.

While Matt Duchene, last year's Game 6 hero against the Avalanche, has struggled in the playoffs thus far, he hopes to find his stride in this pivotal game. The team is also grappling with injuries, notably missing star Jason Robertson. An early victory would not only close the series but also grant the Stars crucial rest ahead of the next round.

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.

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.

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.

Miro Heiskanen, the Dallas Stars' star defenseman, will miss Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in January. Despite returning to practice and participating in the morning skate, Coach Peter DeBoer confirmed Heiskanen remains "day to day," underlining the team's caution as they fight for a pivotal win to take the series lead, currently tied at 2-2.

Heiskanen, who recorded 25 points this season, has been a crucial part of the Stars' lineup. Without him, and after a 4-0 loss in Game 4, Dallas faces pressure to have their other key players, such as Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene, step up offensively. Coach DeBoer hinted at potential lineup changes, including the possibility of adjusting defenseman numbers to accommodate Heiskanen's return when ready. With the stakes high, the Stars must capitalize on their opportunities against a formidable Avalanche team.