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Dallas Stars Cannot Let Frustration Become Part Of Their Game

By Allison Scott

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 14: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Patrick Marleau (12) celebrates with the crowd after scoring the tying goal late in the third period during the regular season NHL game between the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs on March 14, 2018 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 14: Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Patrick Marleau (12) celebrates with the crowd after scoring the tying goal late in the third period during the regular season NHL game between the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs on March 14, 2018 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Stars have not been playing like the Dallas Stars we grew to know and love under Ken Hitchcock. Their offense all but dried up, and then they returned in what should’ve been a triumphant victory in Toronto. Unfortunately, they lost the game in the shootout due to costly mistakes.

March and April are the toughest months of the NHL regular season because teams are fighting tooth and nail for points they need to stay alive. Dallas, however, has been unable to keep pace and is at jeopardy of continuing a downward spiral that ends with them on vacation in April instead of gearing up for the playoffs.

Despite their recent disappointing outings, the Dallas Stars can’t let frustration seep into their game.

Leadership

Jamie Benn leads by example. This is a fact and is, for the most part, a driving force behind the Stars’ success. However, even the captain has struggled to score consistently of late. That doesn’t degrade his ability to lead, but Dallas typically goes where Benn does, and it’s evident in their recent play.

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More than that, though, the Stars’ secondary leadership has been scoring less frequently too. Players who are dubbed “snipers” or “goal-scorers” have immense pressure on their shoulders to perform. Scoring droughts happen, but it’s been a team-wide issue of late. That’s concerning in a number of ways throughout the line-up because without goals, you can’t win.

Secondary Scoring

Although the big name guys have been struggling to find the net, Dallas saw their secondary scorers find success in the 6-5 loss to the Maple Leafs. Even though it wasn’t enough to boost the Stars to victory, having one line kill it in the game reminded the team that it’s possible.

Hopefully, that kind of performance inspires other lines to find their night to shine and really take hold of a game offensively. With every single point being so valuable in the standings — particularly in the Central Division — Dallas will need to benefit from each of their four lines playing to the best of their ability down the stretch.

Moving Forward

Games aren’t always going to go as planned and pucks can’t always find their way into the net like they should. That’s in hockey’s DNA, and it isn’t going anywhere.

Next: Playoffs Still on the Table for Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars have to fight through any ounce of frustration they might feel from past losses and look ahead to the uphill battle they’re facing. It won’t be easy, but they’ll be thanking themselves when they step foot on the ice to battle it out for the Stanley Cup in a little over a month.

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