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Dallas Stars’ Coaching Has Largely Jeopardized the Season

By Allison Scott

Feb 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff argues a call during the game against the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers defeat the Stars 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff argues a call during the game against the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers defeat the Stars 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Stars had high hopes coming into this season that have been drastically crushed. The men behind the bench could be to blame for the struggles.

The Dallas Stars are not in the best place and are certainly not having the best season. They have struggled to string together wins and their playoff hopes are dwindling with the passing of each and every game.

It is becoming very apparent that the Stars will not be determining their own fate this season, requiring help from other teams to make it into the postseason. That is not the situation any club wants to be in, but alas here we are.

It would be one thing if the team’s injury trend from the early part of the season had carried on throughout its duration; however, Dallas’ struggles have been more influenced by coaching devisions than anything else.

Line-up Inconsistencies

Injuries do take a toll on the ability of coaches to make line-up decisions. That is understandable. Rewarding players who exhibit a strong work ethic or dedication to the team is fine.

But the constant line juggling and roster changes that the Stars have experienced this season are not simply part of the game. They have jeopardized Dallas’ season, at least to some extent.

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In a single 60 minute game there are numerous line changes. That happens when there are no injuries or equipment issues that sideline players either.

This type of coaching forces players to guess a lot more than they should. They cannot possibly be certain of where their line mates are on the ice because it is nearly impossible to know another player’s tendency when there is little consistency.

Ruff has operated on the mentality that if a line plays well, they stay together. If they do not have immediate chemistry, they switch it up again. This means that there is no learning curve and as soon as something goes wrong, even if it is just one game, that is the end of that line for the time being. Not exactly a recipe for success on the mental side of the game.

Progression of Youth

No, there is no way to definitively state that the Stars would have had a better season had their roster been more consistent. However, it is fair to say that young players in particular have been negatively impacted by Ruff’s decisions.

Take Patrik Nemeth for example. The young defenseman has battled injuries over the last year or so, which undoubtedly influenced his progress; but, that is not a controllable factor. What is controllable is whether or not he plays. Ruff has made the tough decision to sit Nemeth this season, holding him to 22 games in total.

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He has been a regular on the healthy scratch list, which basically makes the press box his home away from home. There is no improvement or progression when a player sits in the press box.

In fact, it is likely more mentally taxing for a guy to sit out of so many games and see firsthand all of the great opportunities that are quite literally slipping through his fingers.

And Nemeth is just one of the many examples. Dallas has made unnecessary call ups from the AHL all season long, only to have those players miss out on playing time in the NHL. That just simply does not make sense from nearly any viewpoint.

What to do

While Ruff’s coaching strategies have kept him relevant in the league for the better part of the last two decades, his approach to the game is no longer working for the Stars.

There are veterans struggling under his leadership, prospects unable to improve because of his decisions and one of the best teams on paper is in serious threat of missing the playoffs. Not a winning combination any way you paint it.

That, however, does not mean that Ruff’s time behind the Stars’ bench should come to a close. He did lead them to a Central Division Title last season. He coached Jamie Benn during his Art Ross-winning season by putting him on the ice during key moments. He has had success in North Texas, it just has not worked this season.

Next: Trade Deadline Adds to Dallas Stars' Confusion

As unfair as it may be, sports are results-based. What happened in the past is great, but nothing matters more than the right now. With that said, Ruff has to find his footing on coaching this club and he better do it fast.

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