Vegas ranked over Dallas Stars? Analyst's bold take stirs backlash

The Dallas Stars have reached three straight Western Conference Finals, but a Detroit Red Wings writer just disrespected them by ranking Vegas above Dallas in his NHL contender tiers.

That was the case again this week when Detroit Red Wings writer Max Bultman shared his updated contender tiers on the DLLS Stars Podcast, sparking frustration across the Dallas fanbase.

Bultman ranked Florida, Edmonton, and Vegas in his "top tier" while dropping Dallas into the second tier alongside Colorado and Tampa Bay. For Stars fans, the decision felt like a snub, especially given the team's recent postseason track record compared to Vegas.

Max Bultman's list ranks Vegas ahead of Dallas, and fans aren't buying it

On the podcast, Bultman explained his reasoning:

"For me, the top tier is Florida, Edmonton, and Vegas.

Then right after that, the second tier is Dallas, Colorado, and Tampa Bay."

It's not surprising to see Florida or Edmonton ranked at the very top. The Panthers are coming off back-to-back Finals appearances, winning the Cup most recently, while Connor McDavid's Oilers remain a powerhouse.

But the inclusion of Vegas over Dallas struck many as unfair. The Golden Knights were eliminated in the first round last spring, while Dallas advanced once again to the Western Conference Final, outlasting Vegas head-to-head along the way.

As one analyst reminded listeners:

"Dallas has done more than Vegas since 2023, and yet they're still treated like outsiders in these debates."

Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen continue to form one of the NHL's most reliable cores, supported by Jake Oettinger in goal and the recent addition of Mikko Rantanen.

Personally, I think labeling Dallas as "second tier" ignores just how consistent this group has been.