Dallas Stars

Lore & Background

The animosity between the Ducks and Stars often centers on pivotal playoff encounters that ended seasons abruptly. In the early 2000s, during the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim era, Dallas served as a formidable barrier in the post-season. The 2003 Western Conference Semifinals saw Dallas sweep a young Anaheim squad, establishing the Stars as a tough opponent to overcome on their home ice.

The rivalry reached a fever pitch for many fans during the 2015 First Round. In a series that went the distance, Game 7 ended in overtime heartbreak at Honda Center. The memory of that elimination remains a poignant part of Ducks lore, highlighting the thin margin between advancing and going home when facing Dallas.

Beyond specific games, the rivalry is grounded in shared styles of play—physical, defensive-minded hockey with elite goaltending traditions on both sides. Legends like Teemu Selanne faced off against Stars icons such as Mike Modano during their prime years, adding a layer of star power to the competitive friction between the two clubs.

In Their Own Story

The Honda Center hummed with nervous energy as the clock ticked down in Game 7. Ice chips sprayed from skates under the arena lights. A Ducks forward checked hard against the boards near Dallas territory, the stick tape fraying on his glove. The crowd held its breath. In overtime, a single pass could change everything. For one team, it was glory; for the other, another year of rebuilding. The final buzzer echoed off the glass, leaving silence in Anaheim and celebration in Dallas.

Reader's Guide

The origins of this rivalry stem from their consistent presence as top-tier Western Conference contenders during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While they were not always divisional rivals due to NHL realignment structures, their paths crossed frequently in the playoffs when both teams sought championship contention.

Key moments fueled the animosity significantly. The 2003 series where Dallas swept Anaheim highlighted a gap in experience during the Mighty Ducks' rebuilding phase. Later, the 2015 First Round matchup became iconic for Ducks fans due to the overtime loss in Game 7, cementing the Stars as a bitter playoff adversary.

Over different decades, the rivalry evolved from conference opponents to direct Pacific Division rivals following the 2013 realignment. This shift increased regular season frequency, adding more points on the line and deepening competitive familiarity between the organizations.

Did You Know?

• Jamie Benn scored the overtime winner in Game 7 of their 2015 First Round series.
• Teemu Selanne faced Dallas Stars players during his tenure with Anaheim starting in 2001.
• Both franchises have won the Stanley Cup, with Dallas winning in 1999 and Anaheim in 2007.
• The teams became official Pacific Division rivals following the NHL's 2013 realignment.