The Dallas Stars are returning home following a disappointing road trip. They, however, need to learn an important lesson after missing out on valuable points: they don’t have a system that facilitates goaltenders stealing games.
In the NHL, the Dallas Stars are in a unique position. Maybe it’s a streak of bad luck or maybe it’s their system. Whatever it is doesn’t really matter, though. The Stars consistently have goalies that seemingly can’t steal games for them.
This is an issue that is largely unique to Dallas, though some teams have certainly felt the pain as well.
Although it’s an issue in the crease, Ben Bishop and Kari Lehtonen are not the problem. The likelihood that Dallas’ inability to have goaltenders steal games would transcend years full of coaching and player personnel changes is slim-to-none.
Dallas has had no shortage of talent in the blue paint over the last few years, but somehow their perfectly timed game-altering saves disappear once as they reach the Lone Star State.
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For what reason? If only we knew the answer.
One possible reason is that Stars hockey just isn’t defensive-minded enough. There isn’t a strong, main focus on playing well in the defensive zone, so the Stars fall below average in that regard.
There’s also the possibility that Dallas’ defense is structured in a way that puts goaltenders before skaters, leaving the men in the crease out to dry.
Whichever reason it is – and it very well might not be either of those – the Stars need to figure it out. They can’t expect their netminder to stop every shot. They can’t expect him to steal every game. They should be able to get a few points out of both Bishop and Lehtonen this season, though.
Next: Stars Must Step Up When The Going Gets Tough
To stay competitive in the Western Conference, it’s key to earn those extra points however necessary. Most teams, arguably, earn a large number of those because of the man in the crease. Dallas needs to follow suit.