When the Dallas Stars eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the fans in and around Big D reacted as if Coach Dave Tippett’s skaters had reached the Finals.

Hockey fans deep in the heart of north Texas had become so disheartened with the team’s consistent and disappointing first round flame-outs – they had not advanced to the second round since 2003 – that they took this opportunity to celebrate in a hale and hearty way. Perhaps they had realized that playoff success can be very fleeting. One minute, you’re on you way to the Cup; the next minute, you’re on the outside looking in.

However, in the aftermath of a series in which Dallas totally out-classed the slightly higher-seeded Ducks, I like the Stars’ chances to advance past the Pacific Division Champion San Jose Sharks in six games.

Just as we have seen in countless playoff series over the years, role players such as Stu Barnes and Stephane Robidas seem to step up and deliver key plays despite watching the spotlight shine on players with more star appeal (Brad Richards, Mike Ribiero, Mike Modano, Brenden Morrow, etc.). Robidas, Philippe Boucher, Mattias Norstrom and rookie Matt Niskanen stepped up against the Ducks and made an impact against a team that many thought would feast on the Stars’ depleted backline.

And, as the Stars prepare to dip into the Sharks’ tank, All-Star defenseman Sergei Zubov is preparing to rejoin them and make a deep club that much better. And, while the Sharks have a stronger forward attack than the Ducks – fueled by Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Ryane Clowe – the Stars’ defensive game plan and the stellar and playoff-tested Marty Turco in goal will turn this series in Dallas’s favor.

Offensively, the Stars may have an edge – their power play produced 10 goals at a 26.3% clip against the Ducks. Meanwhile, the Sharks allowed six goals in 23 chances (27.3%) while barely outlasting Calgary in a taut seven-game series.

This all adds up to another Stanley Cup series victory for the Stars – imagine, two in one season – that will result in yet another tumultuous celebration throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.