Dallas Stars: Denis Gurianov Recalled In Hopes Of Offensive Spark

Denis Gurianov was recalled by the Dallas Stars on Friday afternoon and could suit up against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. After all, the Stars could use the offensive spark.

It’s been an overwhelmingly challenging week for the Dallas Stars.

Last Sunday, the Stars opened up a four-game road trip in Vegas with their first matchup against the Golden Knights. They were riding a four-game win streak following a victory at home against San Jose two days prior. Dallas had momentum and looked to be on the verge of a strong hot streak.

But, here we are on Saturday afternoon. In the past seven days, the Stars are 0-3-0. A 4-2 loss to Vegas, 6-3 defeat at Anaheim, and 3-2 heartbreaker to San Jose all contributed to one of the worst weeks of the Stars’ season so far.

With the losses, Dallas fell from the first wild card position to outside the playoff picture entirely. As the rest of the Western Conference continues to heat up and make each game count, the Stars quickly find themselves in a tough spot. But just what is it that has caused them such a steep downfall over the past seven days?

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There are a few things that can be pinpointed. A lack of consistent energy, an inability to hold leads, and an overall need for a stronger effort were all prevalent factors in the losing skid. But, another key deficiency was their offensive pressure.

Of the seven goals that Dallas scored in the past three games, only three were scored at even strength. Of those three, only two were scored by forwards (Blake Comeau and Radek Faksa). That’s not a recipe for success when trying to apply offensive dominance.

As a result, Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery has consistently shuffled his lines throughout the week. Each game presents different looks, but nothing seems to be working outside of the power play.

That’s why the Stars called up forward Denis Gurianov from the Texas Stars on Friday afternoon. And if there’s any prospect that can spark the team right now, it’s him.

Gurianov, 21, has played in 23 games for the Texas Stars this season, scoring nine goals and tallying 28 points. That puts him tied for fifth in points across the AHL and second on the Texas roster. In addition, he owns a +6 rating and three power play goals, along with only six penalty minutes.

This will be his second NHL stint of the season. His first showing lasted two games at the beginning of November against San Jose and Nashville. He scored his first career NHL goal in the game against the Predators, which also happened to be his first NHL tally.

He’s a smart player that is building a career year on the stat sheet. He uses his size to his advantage, can help generate offensive chances, and offers a young and fresh perspective to the Dallas lineup. And, considering his early success this season, he might just provide Dallas with the offensive push that they need.

Gurianov is expected to slot in on the second line alongside Devin Shore and Martin Hanzal, which gives him different assets to work with. Giving the first-round pick a top-six role could be a huge asset for the Dallas Stars in terms of speed and offensive bite. Considering where the Stars are right now, they could use all of the help they can get.

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The Stars are in the Mile High City tonight to take on a Colorado Avalanche team that has already bested them once this year. They will look to avoid creating a four-game hole for themselves, and that all starts with offensive pressure. Gurianov just might be what they need.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. from the Pepsi Center. Can the Dallas Stars break the skid in an important divisional matchup?

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