(Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)
Playoff intros are designed for fans in the stands to get them pumped up and make them rise to their feet, wave their towels and yell for their team. One team that has produced fantastic playoff intros over the past decade has been the Dallas Stars.
Since 2014, American Airlines Center has hosted the Stanley Cup Playoffs six times, and the Stars’ presentations for their fans at the AAC has been top notch. The intros have been able to send chills down people’s spines.
But, what playoff intros have been the best over the past decade? Lots of Stars fans will have their opinions, and now it’s time to put the list together.
6. 2022’s “Rise”
The Stars were underdogs against the Calgary Flames in the 2022 first round. The Stars either would “rise” or fall. Even though the Stars fell to the Flames in seven games, being able to “rise” was something the Stars had to do as underdogs.
Most people saw the potential the Stars had with some of their young players on the “rise.” Particular, Jake Oettinger.
5. 2014’s six-year wait
After losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 Western Conference Finals, the Stars had a dark cloud over them. When the team re-branded prior to the 2013-14 season, there was hope again when the team acquired Tyler Seguin.
The Stars made the playoffs in 2014 after six years as the second Wild Card team in the West. The Stars fell to the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the first round, but 2014 marked the beginning of the tables turning in Dallas.
At the conclusion of the Stars’ intro, the length of how exact the Stars hadn’t been in the playoffs. When stated “now they’re back,” the fans at the AAC erupted and waved their towels to cheer on their Stars.
4. 2023’s video game
If anyone has played NHL growing up on the PlayStation, Xbox or other old consoles, knows presentation of a video game is so cool. The Stars did that in 2023.
The Stars opened up with EA Sports’ classic phrase: “you’re in the game.” Then had game mode selection, and of course the Stars picked “Playoff mode.” Then led to picking what team to play against.
Then, the Stars would activate their roster. Toward the close, Josh Bogorad and Daryl “Razor” Reaugh would have an opening like a video game, as if it was Gary Thorne and Bill Clement on NHL 14. To finish it, a pause would happen for the “crowd volume” to be adjusted to full blast, and the Stars fans would rise to their feet and yell.
How can one hockey fan not like a video game presentation before a playoff game?
3. 2024’s Alien Invasion
The Stars used the trademark “PLAIOFFS” for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not many weren’t sure why the Stars would use “AI” instead of “AY” for the Playoffs. People found out for the 2024 intro for the playoffs.
2024’s intro was a verse of what appeared to be an alien invasion. Hence why the “AI” was finally used.
And, anybody will tell you who attended Game 1 of the opening series against the Vegas Golden Knights that the cannon the Stars used was incredibly loud.
2. 2016’s 3D show on ice
3D on ice is always special to look at, and the Stars capitalized on it in 2016. The Stars displayed a 3D show with an “asteroid” theme show.
How can anyone not be impressed with an asteroid themed show?
1. 2019’s Matrix
Matrix theme, and intimidating intro, what can be better? The Matrix theme song has always been a recognizable theme, and the Stars used it for their 2019 playoff intro.
At the end of the intro, the Stars ended their intro with:
It will be loud.
It will be painful.
It will be the end of your pursue.
And another step in ours.
Stars fans erupt with cheers for their team, and how could they not be after a sick Matrix intro?
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