Keys for the Ducks in their playoff series against the Stars

Keys to the best-of-seven series between the Ducks and Dallas Stars:

1. RIDE THE TALENT: Corey Perry has shown with several dramatic goals in his 43-goal season that he’s capable of producing in pressure, and first-line mate Ryan Getzlaf has scored at an unprecedented rate.

2. USE THE SPY: Veteran defenseman Stephane Robidas was traded to Anaheim in March after more than 10 seasons with Dallas. He not only has a wealth of knowledge about the Stars’ idiosyncrasies, but he also provides game-changing toughness the Ducks lacked in last year’s first-round loss to Detroit.

3. GOALIE STABILITY: Removing the primary starter, Jonas Hiller, for rookies Frederik Andersen or John Gibson appears sound for now, but if either of the kids struggles the Ducks will have a veteran whose confidence they’ve tweaked.