Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars are back in the Western Conference Finals once again. Dallas suffered a heartbreaking defeat in this same round last season against the Vegas Golden Knights. This year, though, they defeated the Golden Knights in round one. And they took care of the Colorado Avalanche in round two. As they await their next opponent, veteran Chris Tanev is drawing very high praise.

Tanev, 34, joined the Stars in late February after a trade with the Calgary Flames. And the Toronto native made an immediate impact with his new team. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he leads all defenders with 56 shot blocks. Furthermore, his +8 rating is second in the NHL, and he plays a major role on the penalty kill.

All in all, Tanev is leading the charge for one of the best defensive units going right now. And he has left a massive impression on Oettinger. “He’s probably the best defensive defenseman I’ve ever played with in my life,” the Stars goalie said of Tanev, via NHL.com.

Chris Tanev, Stars are perfect match

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and defenseman Chris Tanev (3) stop a shot as Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) and right wing Mark Stone (61) look for the rebound during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Tanev has fit in quite well with the Stars since the late February trade. And it has been a bit of an adjustment, as well. The Flames were a bit more passive defensively. Meanwhile, Dallas is more aggressive when defending. This system allowed the Stars to defeat two talented offenses in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“I think he fit into our system really well, and I think that’s because of hockey IQ. He knows what the coaches want and does it really well and communicates well with the goalies and kind of knows what we like and don’t like and vice versa. So, he’s been a great fit. Hell of a player,” Jake Oettinger said, via NHL.com.

Tanev acknowledged the differences between Dallas and Calgary's defensive systems. But it's his job to give his all no matter what he's asked to do. “I think I played well in both places,” he said, via NHL.com. “It’s definitely a different system, but you have to be able to adapt and change and do what the team wants, right?”

One more round to go

Chris Tanev and the Stars are on the cusp of their ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup. Dallas has come close to that goal over the last few years. As mentioned, they made the Western Conference Finals just last season. And they made the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. However, they lost both matchups in six games to the Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively.

Dallas will face either the Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks in the next round. Both teams are trying to become the first Canadian franchise to win the Stanley Cup since 1993. Vancouver has never won the Cup, but Edmonton has done so five times. Their most recent championship came in 1990.

The Stars have also had a long wait between Stanley Cup championships. They have one championship to their name, winning in 1999 over the Buffalo Sabres. Dallas went to the Stanley Cup Final in 2000 but lost to the New Jersey Devils.

In 2024, the Stars have home-ice advantage for most of the postseason. This includes the Western Conference Finals, regardless of their opponent. They could take this advantage into the Stanley Cup Final if they face the Florida Panthers. However, the New York Rangers would have home ice over the Dallas thanks to winning the Presidents Trophy.

A lot of factors favor the Stars this postseason. Home ice advantage and Jake Oettinger playing well have given them confidence during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But their smothering defense, led by Chris Tanev, could be the key to their first championship in 25 years.