Dallas Stars: Tyler Seguin Bringing New Elements To His Play
By Josh Clark
Multiple Dallas Stars players have already shown new edges and abilities this season. But one player that looks stronger than ever is Tyler Seguin.
The Dallas Stars are only six games into their 2017-18 campaign. Even with a record of 3-3-0, they are proving to be a much better and more exciting team than they were last year.
Under new head coach Ken Hitchcock, the Stars look faster, smarter, and more threatening. The offense dominates possession and plays with an up-tempo style, the defense is playing with structure and confidence, and the goaltending is making big saves on a consistent basis.
Dallas as a whole looks improved, and their play so far is inspiring, confident, and fun to watch. After a 2016-17 season filled with depression and a lack of determination, it’s nice to see this new side of the Dallas Stars.
But it’s not just because of the new strategies and focuses implemented by Ken Hitchcock. A large part of the Stars’ new look comes from the new sides and skills shown by the players.
Dallas Stars
Devin Shore is giving a top-six effort in the bottom six in addition to being a valuable depth player. Tyler Pitlick is all over the place, getting under the skin of the opponent and providing speedy offense and reliable defense. And in addition to playing heavy offense, John Klingberg’s defensive game has stepped up considerably from last season.
But there’s one player in particular that has adopted a new skill set and completely revolutionized his game in the process. That’s Tyler Seguin. And as a result of this new style of play, he could be in for his best year yet.
The Dallas Stars are off and running in a new direction this season thanks to their 2017 offseason moves. They adopted new procedures, filled in all their weak points on offense, defense, and in net, and put a new dedication towards starting fast and finishing strong in games.
As crazy as it may seem for long term Stars fans, Tyler Seguin is one of the longest tenured members on the team. Besides Jamie Benn, Antoine Roussel, Jamie Oleksiak, and Kari Lehtonen, no one has been on the Dallas Stars’ roster longer than Seguin.
The 25-year-old is starting his fifth year with the team this season. And as it always seems, the expectations are through the roof for the center.
Over the past few years, Seguin’s production has been nothing short of stellar. He’s constantly in the top two in terms of points production along with captain Jamie Benn. Across four years, he averages a point per game in 311 games with Dallas (136 goals, 175 assists).
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He’s a high-powered offensive forward with undeniable speed, an accurate shot, and a high hockey IQ. Seguin’s capabilities and knowledge at center make him a lethal option on the top line for the Stars.
But in years past, Seguin’s immense hockey skill seemed to stop after offense. On defense, he’s been inconsistent, he’s been hesitant at using his size and physicality, and his play in the defensive zone has been lacking at times.
This year, that has changed. Through the first six games of the 2017-18 season, Tyler Seguin has shown a new level of swagger. With that being said, this could be one of Seguin’s biggest years ever.
Under Ken Hitchcock’s reign, Seguin’s defensive skills have improved. He’s more alert in the defensive zone, his possession numbers are as high as they’ve ever been since joining Dallas, and he seems to have a new dedication to defensive help.
In addition, he’s also become much more physical and, dare I say, scrappy. Seguin is currently on pace for 98 hits, which would break his career high of 80 (which he set in 2015-16). He is using his 6-1, 201 lb. frame to its full advantage. He’s also proven that he’s no longer afraid to get scrappy and dirty. Last Saturday, he dropped the gloves with Patrik Nemeth and logged his first career fight in professional hockey.
As Daryl Reaugh mentioned just after the fight that night, Seguin’s days of being a contender for the Lady Byng award (given each year to the NHL’s most gentlemanly player) seem to be long gone. That’s perfectly okay with Dallas Stars fans.
Seguin’s new style of play could be a result of being awarded the alternate captaincy for all home games in the first half of the season. As a captain, he is proving that he’s not afraid to do what is best for the team. He’s ready to commit himself in whatever way necessary to make his group better. And at the end of the day, that’s what you want to see from your alternate captain/star player.
If Seguin continues applying these new strengths to his game in addition to his regular strengths, it could be a huge year for him. No. 91 is a vital piece of the Dallas Stars’ success and he finally looks like a complete hockey player. His well-rounded approach this season sets the stage for a giant payoff.
Seguin shares the team lead in points with three goals and two assists through six games. He averages six shots a game and is one of the most influential pieces of the Dallas offense.
Next: With Yotes And Canes On Tap, Stars Have Chance To Get Ahead
Tyler Seguin is proving to be one of the biggest surprises for the Dallas Stars this year. That’s pretty good timing for a 25-year-old that will be in search of an extension this coming summer.