Dallas Stars Need To Build On Their Big Road Trip Win At Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Alexander Radulov
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Alexander Radulov /
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Winning in the NHL isn’t easy; the Dallas Stars can attest to that. Their recent skid came to an end with a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings last night, and it’s something they should build upon.

The Western conference isn’t for the kindhearted. It’s a battle each and every night to earn points and even then you don’t always move up in the standings. Keeping pace is difficult and the Dallas Stars have learned that with their recent struggles.

They, however, came out victorious in last night’s match-up against the Kings. It’s something they can use to inspire them moving forward.

Back in the Winning Column

It’s easy to get discouraged when the bounces just aren’t going your way or the team’s efforts aren’t being rewarded on the ice. Dallas struggled in the middle of February to get any traction going and they fell into danger of losing their third spot in the Central Division.

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Once as a team forgets what it’s like to win, it’s an uphill battle to get confidence back. That requires dedication from throughout the line-up, a bit of luck and some nights fraught with stress.

The Stars, however, overcame those nights and found a way to shutout the Kings last night. Their ability to do so will only inspire similar play down the line, which is key to maintaining a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Not Over until it’s Over

Nothing is easy in the NHL, especially the Central Division. St. Louis has gone on a four-game losing streak and has fallen below the rising Minnesota Wild. The Wild, however, have been trending in the opposite direction and sit only one point behind Dallas with a game in hand.

With the teams in the Stars’ rearview not too far behind, it’s important that they keep their foot on the gas pedal. Now isn’t the time to let old habits creep back into Dallas’ system. They need to continue pressing forward to maintain their spot in the standings.

Plus, if the Stars are trying to have home ice advantage in the post-season, they’ll have to continue earning points in order to catch up to Winnipeg. They can continue that climb tomorrow night against the Jets themselves in what could prove to be a “four-point” game.

Next: Dallas Stars' Fight To The Playoffs Far From Over

As the postseason approaches, Dallas has no choice but to keep pressing forward. Their season literally depends on it.