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Dallas Stars May Not Click With Significant Changes

By Katelin Brekken

May 5, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Stars teammates celebrate defeating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Stars teammates celebrate defeating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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In professional sports, there are plenty of ‘what ifs’ that frame a best case scenario; although, with all the newness for the Dallas Stars, it’s not terribly unreasonable to think about what could happen if the changes do not stick.

In just the past month, the Dallas Stars have taken major strides to flip their luck around 180º. From acquiring goaltender Ben Bishop from Los Angeles to bringing home head coach Ken Hitchcock, the evidence is leading Stars fans to believe that 2017-18 will be a season to remember. And remember, the change isn’t completely over with yet.

It’s time to play a little devil’s advocate. What if the change is not a good thing for the team at all?

That’s preposterous! How on earth could all of this possibly be negative? The concern comes from a place of curiosity. The players will have some new things to get used to:

  1. Absence of teammates
  2. Ken Hitchcock
  3. Pressure of high expectations
  4. Building back team chemistry
  5. Remaining healthy
  6. Continuing to develop as professional hockey players

The team atmosphere is going to be completely different next fall. Lindy Ruff and Hitchcock have two very different styles of coaching. Honestly, there is no way to know for sure how the change will affect the team until it actually does.

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Team Chemistry is Absolutely Everything.

Naturally, it is going to take a little time for the dust to settle. Even allowing that time, the turnaround for the preseason to take off is a rather limited time. Dallas may find themselves trying to jump into business before they have a chance to figure things out on their end.

Consider the many transactions from the previous season from injury alone. The multitude of changes was almost too much for the Dallas Stars to handle, which ultimately lead to their season’s demise. What’s to say that won’t happen again in 2017-18?

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Good things are starting to head the Stars’ way, which is a refreshing relief from last season’s stress. Without a doubt, it’s going to take work to turn things around. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the Stars to take notes from the current Stanley Cup Playoffs, as the remaining teams are pretty much setting the standard for next season.

Here’s to hoping that the changes affect the Stars for the better.

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