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Dallas Stars Stride to Continue Recent Momentum

By Katelin Brekken

Feb 9, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators left wing Ryan Dzingel (18) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators left wing Ryan Dzingel (18) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Stars end their road trip 2-0-0 against the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals. They host the Ottawa Senators Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center for the second and final matchup of the season.

If there’s one thing that excites Dallas Stars fans more than a winning streak, it’s defeating the best team in the NHL. Monday’s 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals (44-14-7) allowed the Stars to bring home both a winning streak and a revival of hope for making a playoff appearance.

Dallas should be prideful of their winning streak on the road. Games on the road have been a major source of losses for the team this season.

They look to add a third game to their winning streak Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators.

The last time the Senators and Stars met, Jiri Hudler scored the most unfortunate own-goal possible. A drop pass to Dan Hamhuis gone wrong contributed to the Stars’ 3-2 loss in early February. It somewhat comically summed up Dallas’ season at that point.  Here’s how I described it in my game notes from that night:

Yes, Hudler scored a goal during the game, but for the wrong team.

A delayed penalty on Ottawa’s behalf inspired Stars’ coach Lindy Ruff to call goaltender Kari Lehtonen to the bench. This provided an extra offensive body for the Stars to use as they attempted to level the Senators’ lead. Unfortunately, out of habit, Hudler made a drop pass without looking, which skidded past defenseman Dan Hamhuis and John Klingberg and into the empty net.

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Obviously, this is going to be a situation that Dallas should avoid Wednesday night.

Twitter has been buzzing lately with talk of trade, expansion draft and the possibility of a head coaching change. More discussion of the past trade deadline would be beating a dead horse. In other words, it is what it is.

It’s not a new development to trade players, and at this point, the Dallas Stars will have to take any chance they can get to turn things around.

(Trade note: Montréal is 5-0-0 since acquiring Jordie Benn, so you’re welcome, Habs.)  

As far as expansion drafting goes, I wouldn’t be able to predict which goalie will be protected by Jim Nill. I would expect that whoever is chosen will be able to help out the Stars the seasons to come. Also, the Stars should be able to rest easily, I would not foresee Vegas taking either of our goaltenders.

On Wednesday’s matchup:

Dallas will need to put the first goal on the board tonight. That’s almost imperative to win. Taking note of their third-period track-record, the Stars need all the help they can get early on.

Any mistake can derail their momentum, which at this point can inevitably ruin any chances moving forward.

(Also, note that the St. Louis Blues are still sitting in the last playoff spot after defeating the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.)

The Stars deserve to have hope for some luck tonight. After a myriad of injuries and trades during the season, they seem to have found themselves a little groove. Hopefully, they can capitalize on that against the Senators.

Next: Dallas Stars Beat Capitals, Revive Faint Playoff Hopes

The end of my earlier notes still applies to their season, so we’ll hold out hope for tonight on this note:

“There are many things that could be to blame for the poor performances, but perhaps it’s time to stop berating the team and help them finish out the season.

After all, miracles do happen.”

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