The Dallas Stars are finally beginning to catch fire as the 2017-18 season rolls along. A large part of that can be attributed to the oversized and helpful contributions of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and John Klingberg.
When the NHL adopted the new three-on-three overtime format before the 2015-16 season, the Dallas Stars became an undeniable favorite when it came to extra time.
Even in a league overflowing with superstars, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right pairings or acquire the necessary skilled players. But the Stars have managed to do that (and well) over the past few years. When the new overtime format was put into place, the Stars’ lineup was practically already in place.
Combining young power forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin with sharpshooting defenseman John Klingberg almost seemed unfair to the rest of the NHL. All three were young, incredibly talented, and considered to be one of the best players at their respective positions.
When together, they create a lethal trio. Though they initially started out slow, the three quickly gained chemistry and caught fire when it came to the extra frame.
Dallas Stars
But the contributions of these three do not apply exclusively to overtime. In fact, the Dallas offense is largely run by this trio. And so far this season, Benn, Seguin, and Klingberg have carried the team along with their efficient and excessive scoring.
Through the first seven games of the regular season, all three players have seven points. Benn (three goals, four assists), Seguin (five goals, two assists), and Klingberg (two goals, five assists) are all on a point-per-game pace for the 2017-18 season.
In today’s NHL, it seems difficult enough for one player on a team to average a point-per-game. In fact, Tyler Seguin is the only player on the Dallas Stars that averages a point a game since joining the team.
The fact that Dallas has three players on pace for 82 points is absolutely astounding. It’s a testament to the Dallas Stars’ depth and structure. These three players all serve on the top line or pairing and make the most out of their minutes on the ice.
It’s encouraging to see all three players getting out to a fast start and helping the team as a result. Dallas preached having a fast start this year, and the big players are leaving their mark.
As a result, the Stars’ offense is beginning to come to fruition. Dallas is finally beginning to climb back up the stat sheet and now averages 2.71 goals per game. That’s improved from when they were second to last in the league last week with an average of 2.00.
More from Analysis
- Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
- Taking a look at the teams the Dallas Stars will be playing in the preseason
- Should the Dallas Stars revisit signing Patrick Kane this season?
- Realistic regular season stats for Dallas Stars Roope Hintz
- Realistic regular season stats for Dallas Stars Joe Pavelski
The power play is catching fire, with all three players being key pieces in the mix. Both Benn and Klingberg have four points on the man advantage while Seguin is close behind with three. The trio owns all six of the Stars’ power play goals this season.
These early-season performances are impressive, especially considering the down years that each player had in 2016-17.
Benn finished last year with 26 goals and 69 points last year, his lowest since the 2011-12 season. Seguin was the Stars’ top scorer last year with 72 points, but it was his lowest total since joining the team in the summer of 2013. And finally, Klingberg arguably had his worst year at the NHL level last season. He finished with 49 points, but his defensive play was stagnant and lacking.
The fact that each player rebounded so quickly and boosted the team as a result is encouraging for the future. When these three succeed, the Dallas Stars as a whole look stronger and better. If these three can keep up their strong production as the season rolls along, this could be an impressive year for Dallas.
The Stars are setting out on a tough week ahead against some of the league’s top talent, including Carolina, Edmonton, and Calgary. Depth scoring is important, but it’s nice to have a lot of help from the big guns as well.
Next: Stars Shouldn't Change Their Lineup Until They Have To
The Dallas Stars’ trinity is back in order and properly functioning. When that happens, it’s only a matter of time before the wins start piling up.