Even though their Game 1 clash with the Calgary Flames was tied late in the second period, the Dallas Stars believe the cause of Tuesday's 3-2 defeat stemmed from the opening frame.

The Stars, who will look to even their best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoffs opening round series on Thursday in Edmonton, know a better start is paramount.

"We're not getting the early momentum in terms of creating enough offense," coach Rick Bowness said. "Hey, we'll just keep addressing it. We need everyone on their toes early. That team's coming off of basically a playoff round win with Winnipeg. They were playoff ready. We were just a little slow out of the gate."