Dallas Stars: Way Too Early Opening Night Forward Lines Predictions

With October still far away, it’s time to take a look at some early predictions for the Dallas Stars’ line-up. Yesterday was a look at the possible healthy scratches, but today’s focus is on the forward lines.

For the past few years, the Dallas Stars have had their ups and downs with lines, just like most teams around the league.

They found some combinations that work well and have largely been staples of the line-up, like Benn and Seguin, especially with the addition of Alexander Radulov. Some things that’ve worked aren’t going to be an option anymore, like Radek Faksa and Antoine Roussel together.

Both Lindy Ruff and Ken Hitchcock shook up the lines a little more than most fans would like, but sometimes it’s called for. Jim Montgomery has a chance to shake things up, but he’d do best to not stray too far from established linemates that work well together to start with unless there’s a problem down the road.

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov

This line should go without saying. They play well together and there’s no reason to mess with it. Hitchcock tried to break it up a few times last year, even trying to make Benn play center again for a while, but why change something that’s working?

This trio provided the bulk of the scoring for the Stars last season, so there is the mentality of breaking them up to try and help other lines score, but that often results in no one scoring. They may as well have one line that is consistent and reliable for the most part and only change things up if there’s a reason.

Depth scoring was a huge issue last year, but I’d give the new line-up a little bit to start the season and see how things go before trying anything with these three on different lines.

Mattias Janmark – Jason Spezza – Valeri Nichushkin

Assuming Martin Hanzal won’t be back to start the season, Jason Spezza could get a chance to redeem himself from last year’s poor performance after an off-season break. These three played together before Nichushkin left for the KHL and they may be able to rekindle their chemistry this fall.

Nichushkin is a bit of a question mark coming into this season. If he performs poorly and has a bad attitude about it, he could quickly end up in the doghouse again. That could lead to him being moved down the line-up or even getting healthy scratched. Hopefully the last two years have helped him mature as a player on and off the ice.

Blake Comeau – Radek Faksa – Tyler Pitlick

Last year, the line of Roussel-Faksa-Pitlick had some great games. With Roussel gone this year, they’ll need someone else on that left wing. Who better than Comeau, the left winger brought in as a replacement for Roussel?

If Comeau can come in and help the scoring issue, this could be a pretty solid third line, but a little on the expensive side with Comeau’s contract. If Comeau struggles while Faksa and Pitlick take steps back in their play, it’s going to be hard to justify $5.6M on a third line that isn’t producing. If they find success, that depth is going to be essential if the Stars wants to make a playoff push this year.

Devin Shore – Gemel Smith – Brett Ritchie

This fourth line doesn’t look incredibly promising, since both Shore and Ritchie struggled last season, but they’re on the fourth line for a reason. Smith was a surprise last season and should get rewarded with a roster spot, but both Shore and Ritchie will have to prove themselves if they want to hold on to their spots.

Next: Way Too Early Opening Night Healthy Scratch Predictions

There’s a lot of flexibility in some areas of the forward lines, but hopefully the team can find some success and stability in the new season. Check back tomorrow for the third and final part, the defensemen.

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