Dallas Stars Fans Need To Acknowledge Where They Are
By Josh Clark
The NHL regular season is quickly drawing to a close, and the Dallas Stars are near the top of the standings. Stars fans should definitely not be taking this for granted.
Last night, the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks dabbled in an intense Central Division battle. The game was definitely worth the watch, with both teams battling it out all the way to the shootout. The Wild eventually won, keeping them alive in the race for the final wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks managed to keep themselves in the top three in the Central.
It seems as though a lot of Dallas Stars fans were intently watching the game as well, primarily because the Wild could potentially be a first round opponent for the Stars. But also because it was an intense game and Minnesota is sitting on the playoff bubble. These kinds of games always have a different kind of intensity attached to them.
Take a step away from the Dallas Stars for a second and jump into the shoes of a Minnesota Wild fan. These people are dealing with quite a stressful time. Even after tonight’s win, they are still not in a playoff spot. The Colorado Avalanche are still one point ahead of them for the final wild card spot in the West.
This would be alright, except for the fact that there are only nine games left in both of their seasons. Things are obviously tight near the bottom of the playoff chart, and one of these teams battling their hearts out will be getting an early summer sentence.
Now, step back to reality. What a relief it is, right? The Dallas Stars are floating with glee at the top of their division and conference. Their hard work throughout the season has gotten them to 95 points, which is good enough for a just about guaranteed playoff spot.
The Stars will be returning to the postseason for only the second time in eight years. They will be sporting an all-star cast that could be a legitimate contender in the playoff bracket, so it is obviously an exciting time for Dallas fans.
With that excitement needs to come some stern acknowledgement. Dallas Stars fans may get too caught up in the hype and enjoyment of this superstar team and forget how special it truly is to be here.
It’s crazy to think that just one year ago, the Stars were towards the bottom of the Western Conference, sucking for air and fighting for a chance at a playoff spot. They eventually fell just short of the postseason trip and instead endured a painful and early summer.
Now they are back and better than ever, and it is clear that Dallas will be a dominating force once the journey for the Stanley Cup begins in mid-April.
But amidst all of the wins and entertainment, fans can easily forget how truly blessed they are to be cheering from the standpoint they are at.
Imagine if you were a Wild fan. The fight rages on simply for a playoff spot, and you may not even come out as the top dog. Meanwhile, the Stars are simply fighting for seeding at this point and are almost a lock for home-ice advantage first round. Same goes for if you were a fan of a team not even in logically in the hunt anymore, like the Calgary Flames or Vancouver Canucks.
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Things are tough for other people, and the last thing Stars fans want to be is the fan base that takes this stuff for granted. There are plenty of organizations that qualify for the playoffs on a yearly basis and have become numb to the surreal effects it brings. The Dallas Stars are lucky to be as explosive and strong as they have been this year, and we should definitely be cherishing every moment.
So take a quick reality check, Stars fans. Notice that all of this was not just awarded to the team. It took a lot of energy and hard work, and it does not come every year. Be sure to make the most of it!
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The Dallas Stars will be back in action tomorrow night when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Things will definitely heat up once those two teams hit the ice for the last time in the regular season. It’s going to be a good time, so be sure to tune in. And make sure to be humble about it.