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Dallas Stars: Five Big Things To Watch For In 2016

By Josh Clark

Dec 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) prepares to take the ice during the third period against the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Blues 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) prepares to take the ice during the third period against the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Blues 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) reacts after scoring a goal as Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) looks away during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) reacts after scoring a goal as Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) looks away during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Will The Dallas Stars Hot Start Give Way To A Cold Finish?

When you step back and look at the big picture, it’s clear that the Dallas Stars have exceeded just about everyone’s expectations this season. On April 6, 2015, the Stars were officially eliminated from the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That means that they were in the bottom 47 percent of the NHL, not even in the top half.

That was a mere nine months ago. It has not even been a full year since the Stars were a subpar team, and now they are the NHL’s best.

But will that fire ever dissipate? It is possible, and perfectly natural if it does happen. The Stars are 28-9-4 so far this season, but have seen a bit of a decline. Since December 1st, the Stars have played in 13 games where they did not walk away with two points. That means eight of their 13 losses have happened in just a little over the past month.

The Stars are going to have to get used to every team giving them all they’ve got when they meet up. Whether it is one of the best teams in the league or a team at the bottom of the standings, everyone wants to have a claim to fame and what better way to do that than beating the best team?

What the Stars will have to lean on will be keeping their energy and focus. So far in 2016, they have looked lackadaisical and the Eastern Conference opponents have had a field day with the Stars. They will seriously need to check their focus quickly before they begin to slip up more. It’s a tight league, and any signs of weakness can end up being exploited beyond belief.

But the Stars first half of the season was nothing short of exceptional. That gives them no reason to fall off the deep end in 2016, but they can settle back when they need to. Those early points are quite the cushion.

The beginning of 2016 may be a sign of change coming in the Dallas Stars play. This change could come with a bit of a step back from the fast-paced action we’ve grown accustomed to. But that’s okay. As long as it isn’t too far of a step back. Their play has them out front, and though it would be nice to end the year in first place throughout the NHL, first place in the West or even in just the Central is fine as well.

All you have to do is get in the playoffs, remember?

Next: 2. Will The Stars Be Active At The Trade Deadline?

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