Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators: Three things to watch in Game 4

In the playoffs, they’re all must-wins, but the Dallas Stars really can’t lose on Wednesday night.

They enter Game 4 at American Airlines Center down 2-1 to the Nashville Predators after losing 3-2 Monday.

Three things to watch in Game 4:

1. Bishop’s rebound

Stars goalie Ben Bishop allowed two uncharacteristic soft goals in the Game 3 loss but if the regular-season is any indication it won’t happen again. Bishop was arguably the best goalie in the NHL this season. The Stars’ chances of advancing in the playoffs were predicated mainly on the strength of their goal tending. A strong Game 4 by Bishop would even the series and put those hopes back on track.

2. Power play persistence

The Stars were 0 for 4 on power plays in Game 3, including during a 90-second, 5 on 3 advantage when they were 0 for 11 with shots on goal. They outshot the Predators 42-28 but couldn’t do much against Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne.

“We’re not making them uncomfortable and we have to make them uncomfortable,” Stars coach Jim Montgomery said. “[We need to get] more pucks, sticks and bodies to the net.”

3. AAC advantage

Home ice advantage didn’t result in a Game 3 win but the AAC crowd did about as much as it could. The Stars raved about the crowd and hope to use it to better effect in Game 4.

“It’s a loud rink in the regular season and it’s even louder in the playoffs,” Jason Spezza said. “It’s something as athletes we thrive on.”

That includes managing the momentum swings whether you’re on the road or at home.

“When you’re at home you have to capitalize on it by continuing to put pressure on the other team to make them feel like you’re taking the play to them,” he said.