The professional lives of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood intersected twice before suiting up together for Colorado.

Continuing an undesirable pattern for fans at American Airlines Center, Dallas lost Game 1 for the ninth time in the past 11 playoff series as Jake Oettinger and the Stars fell 6-1 to the Wild in a contest they quickly trailed 4-0.

The postseason Thunderdome is about to open its gate. Which team will emerge as the champion?