Dallas Stars: Assessing Their Fourth Line Options For Opening Night

By Josh Clark | Sep 1, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 08: Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28), Dallas Stars left wing Remi Elie (40), and Dallas Stars right wing Brett Ritchie (25) celebrate a Johns goal in the 2nd period during an NHL hockey game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks on March 08, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 27: Brett Ritchie #25 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the American Airlines Center on March 27, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 27: Brett Ritchie #25 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the American Airlines Center on March 27, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Brett Ritchie

Coming in under a similar category to Shore as a player that didn’t necessarily live up to expectations last season but will likely be a starter on opening night is Brett Ritchie.

What can be said about a forward like Ritchie? At 6’3, 217 lb., he’s got the size and skill to be a legitimate threat on almost any line and in any situation at the NHL level. He knows how to use his body to create turnovers on defense and space on offense and possesses a powerful and accurate shot.

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But in 2017-18, things just didn’t click. After posting a surprising 16 goal, 24 point season in 2016-17 and breaking onto the scene as one of the Stars’ best young depth forwards, Ritchie just couldn’t get the wheels turning last year. He saw over two minutes chopped off of his ice time, was constantly cycled throughout the lineup, and only skated in 71 games.

He took 100 less shots than he had in the season prior, but the goal totals did not stay on pace as Ritchie turned in seven goals and 14 points. His shooting percentage dipped down to 6.0 percent and the frustration became apparent in his overall play.

But that doesn’t mean he cannot play a big role for Dallas in 2017-18. New head coach Jim Montgomery centers his game around puck possession and offensive relentlessness, and that happens to be where Ritchie excels. With his size and reach, he’s excellent at protecting the puck and cycling it around the zone as well as getting in front of the net and acting as a screen.

The Dallas Stars still need talented and powerful right wingers to balance out their lineup, and Ritchie is one viable option. He’ll likely get the start on the right side and give the Stars some much-needed physicality in the bottom six while also getting a chance to bounce back and once again prove himself to be a determined and consistent scorer.

He can help at even strength as well as on the power play and he boasts plenty of skill. Expect to see Ritchie in the opening night, likely filling in at right wing on the fourth line (unless Montgomery has other plans, which he very well may).