The biggest choke job during the past five days wasn't Duke against Houston in the NCAA Tournament. It was the Dallas Stars blowing a 5-2 lead at home to Vancouver by giving up three goals during the final minute and losing, 6-5, in overtime this past Tuesday. Never before had an NHL team scored three times during the final minute to pull out a victory.

So not only are the Stars playing to regain their pride, but also to keep alive their chances to earn the top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference. Winnipeg holds a four-point lead over the Stars for that honor. Both teams have four regular season games remaining.

The Jets can take a loss knowing they need five points to clinch the West's No. 1 spot and conclude with games against the Blackhawks, Oilers and Ducks. If the Stars lose this game, they would have to win their final three games in regulation and hope the Jets lose their three remaining games in regulation. That's not going to realistically happen.

It is a must-win spot for Dallas and the oddsmaker has made the Stars the favorite. I agree.

The Stars beat the Jets by two goals when they hosted them earlier this season. Backup goalie Case DeSmith was in net for Dallas against Vancouver. Starter Jake Oettinger is the better goalie and he's projected to be in goal here.