Dallas Stars Need to Improve 5-on-5 Play Quickly
The Dallas Stars season has gone about as planned with as many changes as they had over the offseason – they’re not plummeting to the bottom of the league, but also don’t find themselves first overall. However, there are a few things they need to change quickly.
Dallas is (9-7-0) through their opening 16 games, which is good enough for fourth in the Central Division. Their power play is the best in the league, converting 31.3 percent of the time.
While that all amounts to some exciting, fun-to-watch hockey, Dallas still has its Achilles heel. Oddly enough, they can’t seem to get even-strength play on par with their special teams, and it’s something they need to solve soon.
The Problem: Underperforming packed line-up
With a roster most teams in the NHL would – and probably do – envy, the Stars are a force to be reckoned with. There is no shortage of offensive talent or defensive prowess on this team, and Ben Bishop in the crease is the cherry on top of it all.
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Their personnel is also a reason that the even-strength struggles are so confusing. Dallas should be nearly just as lethal against the opposition as they are on the power play.
Of course, having one less player on the ice for the other team opens up the game and facilitates more offensive chances; but the other team having just as many players as the Stars shouldn’t completely derail that.
The Solution: Power play mentality
Whatever mode the Stars go into when they have the man advantage this season is undoubtedly the solution to their 5-on-5 troubles. They need to find a way to harness that confidence and the chances they’re willing to take while with the man advantage while playing regular, even-strength hockey.
If they can’t find a way to play like they do when an opposing player is sitting in the penalty box, the Stars will hit a power play slump and be unable to score at all. That’s the last thing they want to happen, especially considering they’re on a hunt to prove themselves after last season’s disappointment.
Next: Divisional Games Will Kill Stars if they Don't Improve
Thankfully, it’s still very early in the season. The Dallas Stars will find a way to excel at even-strength, it’s really just a matter of time.