Hockey analysts, statistical models and oddsmakers are predicting a close second-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars — with a general consensus giving Dallas the edge.

There was that natural inclination for Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer to start paying more attention to St. Louis while watching the game that would determine who his team would play next in the NHL playoffs. But he never really started preparing for the Blues, even as they had a multigoal lead over Winnipeg much of that game.

The Dallas Stars are in familiar territory. After a hard-fought opening round series, head coach Pete DeBoer concocted another Game 7 victory against Colorado, setting the stage for Dallas to face the West’s top team, Winnipeg, in the second round.