Dallas Stars: Examining Their Path Through The Central Division

The Potential Threats

There are two teams in the Central Division that have the potential to be threatening simply because of the unpredictability of the division as a whole. Though they missed the mark like the Stars in 2016-17, there is still a chance that they could rebound in some fashion. Let’s take a look at the two clubs.

Colorado Avalanche

Meetings this season: 2 home (10/14, 1/13), 3 away (10/24, 11/22, 12/3)

You might see this and immediately dismiss Colorado as an invalid and impossible threat. But don’t forget that it will be hard for the Avalanche to not bounce back in at least some form in the 2017-18 season.

Dallas Stars

That’s because of the extremely degrading and downright embarrassing season the Avs had in 2016-17. Colorado finished last season at the bottom of both the division and league with a revolting 22-56-4 record. They did not even break the 50-point mark. In other words, they set the bar so low for themselves that it would be extremely difficult to go any lower.

So obviously they took the 2017 offseason by storm, right? Well, not really. The Avs spent the majority of their time signing small-name players to short term deals. In fact, their biggest offseason acquisition was Predators forward Colin Wilson through trade. Other than that, the roster is pretty much still intact.

Now, it’s not necessarily fair to say the Avalanche’s 2016-17 record combined with their lack of offseason push means that they will experience the same fate, but it could be close. This team looks decent on paper, but when they get on the ice, everything goes to the toilet. Unless a new scheme and focus puts the team back on track, it is looking to be another long year in the Mile High City.

The Stars had little trouble squaring off with Colorado last season, going 4-1-0 against them. In this coming year, it seems as though Dallas outmatches them in every single category. Barring any monumental turnarounds, don’t expect the Avs to be giving the Stars too much grief in the Central.

Winnipeg Jets

Meetings this season: 2 home (11/6, 2/24), 2 away (11/2, 3/18)

The Winnipeg Jets are known around the Central for being one thing: consistently average. You never really see them fighting for the top spot in the division, but never see them sitting in seventh either. They’re always somewhere lost in between.

But rarely do they find the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Since realignment, the Jets have qualified for the playoffs once. And the one time they did, they were quickly swept in the first round.

This season looks as though it may be another one of the same for Winnipeg. Though the team made a few decent moves in the offseason, they didn’t make any monumental additions. Their biggest moves were made in the back end by signing defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and goaltender Steve Mason. Those two additions should help the Jets get their goals against average down, but neither helps them take a massive step forward from their 40-35-7 record from last season.

The Stars went a humbling 1-4-0 against the Jets last season primarily due to late-game collapses and ugly goals against. If Ben Bishop and Marc Methot help hold the line like people are expecting him to, then Dallas should have no trouble competing with and even besting Winnipeg on multiple occasions this season.

But there is always the chance that Winnipeg surprises, so they are listed as a potential threat. The Jets are known for “flying under the radar” (that’s a fun pun), and the young talent they currently possess could aid them in having a big year this season. So keep your eyes peeled.