It’s a Kirkwood vs. Oakville Stanley Cup Final

Last night, the Dallas Stars won 3-2 in overtime to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2000. Goaltender Ben Bishop has been unfit to play since the second round, missing the last seven games with an undisclosed injury. Since signing with the Stars in 2017, Bishop has been a solid backstop. The Stars missed the playoffs his first season with the team, but made it to the Western Conference semifinals last season, before a game winning goal by fellow St. Louisan Pat Maroon knocked the Stars out of contention.

Maroon’s current team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, have been playing on an otherworldly level this post-season, even without Steven Stamkos. Stamkos is skating again, which should concern Dallas - getting their captain back should push the Lightning to another gear.

Maroon is a heart and soul guy, willing to do whatever it takes to get his team to win. He had some extra motivation last year with the Blues, but he’ll be a thorn in the side of the Stars all series long - again. Regardless of if Bishop is in net or not, Dallas needs to keep their eyes on Maroon. He’s got some experience against them.