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Dallas Stars’ Final Games Will Be Learning Advantage For Rookies

By Allison Scott

Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka (6) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last night’s win over the Arizona Coyotes gave the Dallas Stars something they have not seen in a while: hope for the future.

The Dallas Stars’ expectations heading into the 2016-17 season were big. They were coming into the year after having won the Central Division Title and the Western Conference in the regular season. Although they fell to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs, they were meant to build upon that performance and dominate.

As we know, however, that did not happen. They fell victim to a number of obstacles and were mathematically eliminated from the postseason a few weeks before the conclusion of the regular season.

While elimination is negative regardless of how it is painted, the Stars have value in seeing what young players can do in the final games of the regular season.

Julius Honka

Last night the 21 year old defender scored his first NHL goal in overtime to give Dallas the win over the Arizona Coyotes. Not a bad way to kick off scoring in the NHL at all.

Julius Honka‘s goal was a beautiful slapshot from no more than 20 feet in front of Arizona’s Mike Smith and it soared past the opposing net minder with purpose.

While that goal alone does not make it an advantage that Dallas is playing their young prospects and hopeful 2017-18 season regulars, it certainly highlights what is to come. No. 6 has been a highly revered defender who is able to make up for his relatively small size in skill and ability.

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He is the kind of player that could help the Stars be more solid on the back end, while still contributing to the offensive side of things as well. That combination should not be overlooked, especially in a league where both sides of the game are increasingly more difficult.

The loss of defenders to the trade deadline, notably Johnny Oduya and Jordie Benn, Dallas needs to establish a direction for their defense. Honka seems like a good contribution to that effort.

Jason Dickinson

Honka was not alone in his contributions to the Stars’ victory last night. Jason Dickinson converted on a Coyotes turnover in their own zone to score a nice goal over the pad of Smith.

His soft hands and puck-handling abilities were on display, both of which are key elements to success for forwards in the league. Dickinson’s tally was just the second of his NHL career, but proved to be a confidence builder as well as a symbol of his comfortability in the league.

Similarly to the Stars’ defense, Dallas has lost some forwards this season. They will be looking at a number of tough decisions moving forward as well, especially considering free agency and the expansion draft.

The injury-plagued Ales Hemsky and Patrick Sharp will be the focus of the conversation in that regard, but with players like No. 16 performing so well in the NHL those conversations are made a bit easier.

While Dickinson will not be playing on the same level as Hemsky or Sharp as soon as next season, his potential to get to that point is high. He has proven to be a dependable forward and would help Jim Nill with the cap space issues big contracts create.

That is not to say that Dickinson is the end all be all to those concerns, but it is positive to note how he could become an NHL regular next season if he stays healthy and continues to play well.

Looking Ahead

Dallas has two games left in the regular season, both at the American Airlines Center. They have two opportunities to see exactly what it is that their young players can do without the pressures of training camp and preseason play.

Next: Dallas Stars Not Alone in West as Skilled Non-Playoff Team

While this is not an advantage that solely benefits the Stars, other teams are certainly playing their young players to end the regular season as well, Dallas’ contributions from their call ups have been excellent. Although this season did not go as planned, hope is not lost in Big D.

With the help of players like Honka and Dickinson, the future in Dallas is looking strong.

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