I have to admit I’m not a Dallas Stars fan. Not at all, actually. Marty Turco is a great goal tender and an even better stick handler, but he’s a bit too cocky for my liking. Mike Modano is one heck of a player but there’s something about the guy that rubs me the wrong way (is he too good?). But there’s no doubting the talent and determination of this team. In last night’s game against the San Jose Sharks they made darn sure their presence was felt in the Shark Tank and by putting in three quick goals in the third period they took the fans right out of the game. And up two games in their series against San Jose, they look like they’re headed into the Western Conference finals. Who knew…?

If you had to pin point one factor in the Stars’ recent success you’d have to consider Turco’s performance as of late. Turco was huge for the Stars in the series against Anaheim, as he went 4-2 with a 2.01 goals against average and .912 save percentage. So far against San Jose, he is 2-0 and has stopped 54-of-58 (.931) shots thrown his way.

And like I said, I’m not exactly Turco’s number-one fan…but there’s no denying the guy is coming up big when his team needs him most.

Currently in most sportsbooks, the Dallas Stars are 4/1 favorites to win the Stanley Cup.