Dallas Stars Needed a Few Days to Regroup Before Final Stretch

The NHL season’s end is in sight, and the Dallas Stars are fighting to make a return to the playoffs. Luckily, they have a few days off before the final stretch hits.

The Dallas Stars saw a great goaltending effort by Kari Lehtonen in Tuesday night’s 2-0 shutout loss to the Nashville Predators. While the two points would have been helpful — especially given the closeness of the Central Division this year — they have had a few days of time between games before hosting the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

When it’s early March and the pressure is building with playoffs all but guaranteed, the Stars needed to take a step back before diving into the last few games of the regular season.

Adversity Through Injuries

Dallas has been significantly luckier this season than in year’s past regarding injuries. Last year, they were constantly torn down because of the limited players they had available to play. This year, they’ve managed to all but avoid serious injuries.

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However, of late the injury bug has bitten and it’s possibly the worst time possible for this to happen. Guys are going to be beat up at this point in the regular season — it’s expected — but Dallas dealing with their go-to goaltender Ben Bishop sitting for an undefined amount of time in addition to a few depth players is concerning. So is the loss of Esa Lindell and Radek Faksa to injuries.

This time of the year is when everyone ropes, everyone rides; however, they can’t do that if players aren’t even in the line-up. Hopefully, the days off will guide the Stars toward a healthier future for the last games of the regular season. At the very least, taking a short break should help the injured players get closer to being available come puck drop on the postseason.

Mental Relaxation

Although hockey is a very physical sport, the mental component can’t be ignored. Dallas was struck with injuries that take a toll on the team’s make-up and alter how they approach the game. Adjusting to that — Bishop’s injury in particular — leaves a lot of strain on their shoulders because the future is uncertain.

Getting away from the game and just focusing on training, practicing and regrouping allows for the team to prepare for the final stretch. The next few games won’t be easy.

Next: Stars' Flaws Don't Mean They Can't Be Playoff Bound

Dallas will be fighting tooth and nail to get into the postseason this year, but all of the stress will be worth it once they bring the Stanley Cup Playoffs back to the Lone Star State.