The Dallas Stars used to be a “first half” team that would build leads and defend them. But now, they are turning into a “late game” team that knows how to rally. That’s a dangerous skill to have and further shows the capabilities of this team.
It’s always an adventure with the Dallas Stars.
For a little while there in Saturday’s game against the Blues, it looked as though the Stars were set to lose another critical matchup. After a sluggish and low-action first period, Dallas dominated most of the second period. The two teams entered the third period in a 1-1 tie, and that’s when St. Louis took over.
The Blues dominated the Stars in the first 15 minutes of the period, outshooting Dallas 10-0 at one point. And after Jaden Schwartz scored with less than eight minutes to go, it seemed as though the game was all but wrapped up.
But it wasn’t just because of their lack of effort in the game. It also had to do with the fact that it was late in the third period, an area that Dallas had struggled significantly in over the course of the 2017-18 season.
Dallas Stars
For the past few years, the Dallas Stars have struggled with a few different things within their game. One of their prime struggles had to do with closing out games or coming back from deficits towards the end of a game. It was an issue that contributed to many losses for the Stars.
And even after the hiring of Ken Hitchcock last April, some of these issues still lingered. While the Stars became a more powerful “first half” team that quickly learned how to build effective leads and protect them, their comeback skills still required work.
At the beginning of the month of February, the Stars had been outscored 39-52 in the third period. Their next closest goal total in a period was 46 in the first. Their goal differentials in each period were +11 in the first, +18 in the second, and -13 in the third. That’s not an ideal mark for closing out games.
As a result, clawing back into games wasn’t considered one of the Stars’ primary strengths. While their efforts in the final frame were commendable, the two points didn’t accompany them on most nights.
But that’s why there is 82 games in a season. Every team has an opportunity to assess their weak points over the course of a season and potentially improve upon them.
That’s what the Dallas Stars are doing right now.
Over the past few games, the Stars have been significantly tested in the final few minutes of their games. And in most of these tests, Dallas has passed with flying colors.
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On Feb. 22, the Stars were deadlocked in a 0-0 tie with the Los Angeles Kings with less than ten minutes to go in the game. A week later, they were in a 4-2 hole in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning (who own the best record in the NHL). And finally, the Stars faced a daring 2-1 deficit in the final minutes of Saturday’s game against St. Louis.
In all three of those challenges, Dallas stood their ground. They scored two late goals to beat the Kings 2-0, rallied against the Lightning and picked up a point in overtime, and found a spark in the dying minutes of the third period against the Blues to force overtime, where Jamie Benn eventually ended it. The Stars picked up valuable points in each game and helped themselves along in the playoff race.
And that’s just another reason why this team is dangerous. The Dallas Stars have demonstrated that they now know not only how to build and protect leads, but also how to climb back into games even when time is running out and all hope seems to be lost. Resiliency in the face of adversity is a strength that many teams don’t possess.
While the Stars haven’t had it for the entire season, it’s good to see them showing it off down the stretch as the playoff push heats up. Their defense and goaltending shut the door, the offense hits the gas, and things quickly turn in the Stars’ favor.
It’s just another reason why this team is a legitimate threat. If you take your eyes off of them or get comfortable, they will flip the table and punch you in the mouth. It’s becoming more evident that the Dallas Stars cannot be counted out of games anymore. And if an opponent does, they will end up paying for it. The Blues learned that on Saturday afternoon in a game where they desperately needed two points.
With a slate full of both deceptive and determined opponents in the upcoming week, the Stars have yet another significant test in front of them. Can they keep up this new style of play that they have recently discovered? Will they be able to keep their current points streak alive at the most important time of the season?
Next: Five Ways The Stars Can Make Stanley Cup Playoffs
So just like with each of the past few games, you also cannot count the Dallas Stars out of the playoff race. If you do, they will find a way to make you eat your words.