Hockey analysts, statistical models and oddsmakers are predicting a close second-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars — with a general consensus giving Dallas the edge.

There was that natural inclination for Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer to start paying more attention to St. Louis while watching the game that would determine who his team would play next in the NHL playoffs. But he never really started preparing for the Blues, even as they had a multigoal lead over Winnipeg much of that game.

Both teams went from staring the end of their seasons dead in the face to getting ready to play each other in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Stars were down 2-0 late in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche but came back to win 4-3 thanks to the heroics of Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston.