Dallas Stars’ Ultimate Struggle: They Will Not Get A Day Off
By Josh Clark
It seems to be doomsday in Dallas at this point. Over the past half month, the Dallas Stars have struggled heavily and are plummeting as a result. What’s their problem?
Do you remember the luxury of Saturday morning cartoons? Whether you’re thinking about Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, or Spongebob Squarepants, they all seem to have a similar parallel: animated and enjoyable violence.
And with that violence comes the magic red button. You know the button, right? The one that is supposed to never, ever be pressed no matter what the cost? This is the button that is sometimes labeled as “Self-Destruct” or “Don’t Do It.” This red button is a recurring theme of cartoons old and new and often end in the destruction of a certain person, group, or planet as a whole.
This is the button the Dallas Stars seem to be excessively spawning for the past half-month or so. The most recent debacle came last night as the Stars were tripped up against the Nashville Predators in a 5-3 loss. It seemed to be a one step forward, three steps back ordeal. As soon as the Stars were within striking distance, they fell back into a massive deficit.
It seems like this is a recurring theme for the Stars now, specifically over the past few weeks. In the month of 2016 as a whole, the Stars are 10-12-4. In the last five games, they are 1-3-1. They are on a four-game losing skid and nothing seems to be working.
Losses to the Predators, Red Wings, Rangers, and even the Winnipeg Jets have the Stars dumbfounded on what they are supposed to do and how they are supposed to be playing.
Sadly, this is the standard going forward that these revamped Dallas Stars will have to adapt to.
Everyone knows that the Stars powered through the first half of their schedule from October-December 2015. After another strong offseason, they were expected to return to the playoffs after a minute one-year absence. After the first three months, they looked well on their way to achieving that feat.
The Stars owned the best offense in the league, a much improved defense, and a new yet enticing look in the crease. They had the highest point total at the end of 2015 after a 5-1 thwarting of the Predators.
Yet tonight they crumpled at the hands of that same team. The fact of the matter is, the Stars are in the Central Division. Not only that, but the playoff push is just around the corner, and multiple teams will be in desperation mode. Whether they are at the top of their division standings or in the midst of the wild card race, they have a reason to be desperate and prepared to take risks.
This has obviously not settled with the Dallas Stars yet, which explains why they are struggling along. They are taking their opponents too lightly, and it is already stinging.
Though the Stars are shoo-ins for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they will sit in the standings is a complete mystery. Just a few weeks back, it seemed as though Dallas had no competition in their division or conference. Now, the Stars sit second place in the Central Division, running in a three-way tie for first with the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. Not to mention that the Predators are a mere eight points back.
They may as well be on the playoff bubble right now because of how tight things are. The Dallas Stars are going to have to focus in fast if they want to enter the postseason with home ice advantage.
GM Jim Nill made sure to be active at the deadline and picked up defenseman Kris Russell. He played Tuesday night, and had no real impact. Is that a problem? We just don’t know yet, considering how many Stars fans are still on the fence about it. But one thing is for sure: that’s not all they are going to have to do if they are expecting to hop back in the driver seat.
More stars: Stars Continue To Slump, Drop 5-3 To Nashville
The Stars have been known in recent past to perform strongly during the month of March, but last night was not a good start. Things are no longer all fun and games. Every game is crucial from this point going forward for every team, and the Stars need a reality check so they reassess their game plan and go out on an effective March attack.
So that red button continues to blink and glow, just tempting the Dallas Stars to take a poke at it. They have pushed it a few times this year already, and that is why they are still in a dogfight. If they can avoid the self destruct, they will be alright.
Next: Is Kris Russell Truly A Good Fit For Dallas Stars?
But until that happens, you might want to keep your hands near your eyes. Just in case.