Dallas Stars Can Finally See Light at the End of the Tunnel

The Dallas Stars were not a strong team on the road during 2016-2017. Many devastating and infuriating losses occurred, and the Stars’ final road game was no different.

Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Lightning pretty much summarizes the Dallas Stars’ entire season in one phrase: Almost, but not quite. Referees waived off not one, but three goals. Dallas dressed 13 of the Texas Stars in Tampa Bay, which proves the level of desperation Dallas has right now.

Tampa Bay needed a victory that night, as they still eyed a playoff spot. It might be a stretch to say that defeating the Stars’ was well-deserved, but the Lightning proved their determination in the latter periods.

The referee’s calls upset many people, including Dallas Stars’ coach Lindy Ruff. In a post-game interview, he was beyond words when discussing the referees.

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"“I totally disagree with what the officials did to this game tonight, totally, “Ruff said. “Can someone explain to me how [Radek] Faksa gets a penalty for a 4-on-3 and how their guy doesn’t get a penalty at the second goal for running over [Gemel] Smith when they were both going for a puck? I’m still mystified at the calls. Mystified.”"

At the end of the interview, someone asks Ruff if he believed that the referees may have been biased towards Tampa Bay because of the Stars’ division standings. Ruff shook his head in complete disagreement.

"“The guys are pros. I totally disagree. It was a hard-fought game and I totally disagree with what went on out there.” Ruff said."

Lindy makes a good point, that the refs are professionals and promote the handbook, unbiased toward either team. But, at what point should the rules be bent?

Any angle it’s looked at, someone’s going to end up unhappy, so it’s probably a good time to move on to Tuesday’s matchup:

The Beginning of the End.

The Dallas Stars are on the final stretch of 2016-2017, starting their last homestand against Arizona on Tuesday night. It’s a bittersweet week. The Stars’ dreadful season is coming to an end, but at the same time, the season is coming to the end. Luckily, Dallas Stars fans can watch the playoffs in hopes that some Stars’ alumni will take the cup.

Out of the final three games, only one of their opponents has clinched a playoff spot. The stress is off, so this week will be about finishing on a high note. Regarding the recent transactions of Justin Dowling back and forth between Dallas and Cedar Park, it’s evident that the competition to stay in Dallas is already heating up. Either that, or there’s been a fair amount of confusion.

Next season has the potential to be a great one. This year, the mean age was a limiting factor for the Stars, but it could soon be an advantage. NHL experience has a huge role in a player’s development. Next year, given a healthy lineup, Dallas will not need to make too many transactions with the AHL.

With so many transactions in recent games, the Dallas Stars are going to have an array of options to choose from for next year’s roster.

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However, there is still a large margin for error, as Stars’ fans have learned that anything, anything, is possible. The road has not been easy, this season, and victory green has been a best friend and worst enemy.

There have been plenty of own goals, missed shots, terrible calls and countless turnovers, but for one last homestand, it’s time to put bitterness aside and enjoy the last of the 2016-2017 Stars’ season.

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