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Dallas has been absolutely red hot of late, winning seven of their last eight games, but enter an absolutely crucial home game against the Sharks on Thursday night. With 77 points, Dallas is first in the Pacific Division, with San Jose (in eighth place in the Western Conference playoff standings) right behind them at 74 points.
The product of the Stars' 7-0-1 run is a No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs by virtue of the Pacific Division lead. Dallas trails the No. 4-6 teams - Detroit, Nashville and Chicago - in the points standings, but due to the weakened Pacific, could enter the playoffs with home ice advantage. However, if they're caught by San Jose or Los Angeles, they'll be forced to fight out a four to five team battle for the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds.
The Stars have won all three meetings with San Jose this season by a combined score of 14-5.
Date / Time: Thursday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Arena, Dallas, Texas
TV: Fox Sports Southwest
Radio: Stars Radio Network
Streaming: n/a
Line: Dallas (-101)
For more on the Dallas Stars, check out Defending Big D. For San Jose Sharks news and notes, head over to Fear The Fin, and for all your NHL news and info visit SB Nation's NHL page.