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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; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a third period goal against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Stars 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a third period goal against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Stars 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Can The Dallas Stars Go On A Stanley Cup Run This Year?

This is perhaps the biggest question of 2016 and the season as a whole. Sure the Dallas Stars are among the league’s best teams so far this year. But the most points in the standings does not get you a Stanley Cup.

It’s a puzzling path to navigate when you try and determine a team’s legitimacy for a Stanley Cup championship. While the Dallas Stars are a powerful club in terms of scoring depth, their defensive and goaltending efforts can be on and off in regards to dominance. Not to mention that once they get to the playoffs, anything can happen.

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Plus there are the factors that have yet to be revealed, such as injuries, trades, and even possibly suspensions.

But the biggest factor is that this is a Stars team with a certain level of playoff experience. The group as a whole went on a one year hiatus from playoff competition last season, but there is a good amount of leadership. Jim Nill made a smart move by acquiring Sharp, Oduya, and Niemi in the last offseason. He didn’t know if they would work out or not, but if and when they eventually did, it’s nice to know that their playoff experience will only further the Stars cause once mid-April comes along.

Out of the 23 players on the Stars roster, only five have never competed in an NHL playoff game. That will definitely help once the postseason begins.

But if the NHL started the playoffs tomorrow and the Stars went with the current roster they had, I would definitely see them at least making it to the semifinals. A Cup would be a bit of a stretch, but that is what this team has been known for this year. So who knows. In the end, this team could find a way to the Finals. But don’t get too cocky and assume it has to happen just yet. Like you saw yesterday, they still have some rough edges to smooth.

Next: 4. Which Stars Will Be Present At The NHL Awards Ceremony?

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