Dallas Stars: Analyzing Potential Forward Lines For 2019-20 Season

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov

Ah yes, THE Stars’ first line (also dubbed the AAC line due to Benn wearing the ‘C’ while Seguin and Radulov both boast an ‘A’).

Since the addition of Radulov in July 2017, this trio has been together for a good majority of the 177 games that they have worn the same jersey in. There’s a reason for that.

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When this trio gets together, they all seem to be at the top of their game. The chemistry is strong and unique. Pairing Benn’s toughness and 200-foot style of play with Seguin’s speed and playmaking abilities and Radulov’s determination and finishing capabilities, this line always has the potential to be one of the best first lines in hockey when they get together.

And while Benn regressed in terms of production during the 2018-19 season and the rise of Roope Hintz, Jason Dickinson, and Mats Zuccarello gave Montgomery the ability to make his captain flexible, the coach loves the first line and the drive they bring to the game. There were plenty of games down the stretch where the trio didn’t start together but would end the game together due to Montgomery wanting a change of pace or a harder scoring push somewhere in the middle of the contest.

It’s hard to break up a line that almost always produces. And while Benn could still be somewhat flexible between the first and second lines as the 2019-20 season best underway, it’s hard to not envision Seguin and Radulov on top of the forward group.

Jason Dickinson – Roope Hintz – Joe Pavelski

What happens when you combine young speed and ferocity with a natural-born scorer and leader? We might find out soon enough.

Last season, Dickinson and Hintz proved to be a dynamite combo alongside Mats Zuccarello. The two played with each other at various points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and were one of the Stars’ more effective lines. With Dickinson bringing a physical element and puck hunting ability to the table and Hintz adding blazing speed and an ability to drive the net, the duo make up a significant part of the team’s bright future.

"“I feel great right now. I don’t know what people say their prime is, but some of my best years have been 30-35. There’s no reason that number isn’t going to stretch to 35, 36, and 37 and I believe that. The one knock on me has always been my skating and that I haven’t been as fast as the other guys, but I’ve never felt out of place out there and I’ve always been able to get it done. I’ve been at this level for a long time and I don’t see it going down.” –Joe Pavelski on his health"

Pavelski, on the other hand, is one of the newest recruits that should greatly aid in the Stars’ biggest problems: putting the puck in the back of the net and turning the second line into a consistent offensive threat. He’s got a history of scoring the puck (he’s averaged 32.8 goals over the past five seasons). Pair that with his ability to play both at center and on the wing and drive offensive possession with his hockey IQ and you’ve got the perfect counterpart to a young duo looking to make their stamp in the top six.