2. Too many injuries
It is without a doubt that the Dallas Stars compressed schedule contributed to their numerous injuries. Alexander Radulov missed most of the 2020-21 campaign after and posting 11 points in the Stars first 8 games. 2020’s bubble hero, Joel Kiviranta, also missed time last season due to nagging injuries and was unable to settle into the lineup. Defenseman Roope Hintz was also not himself this season, choosing to play through an avulsed adductor muscle injury, rather than immediate surgery.
Speaking of surgery, forward Tyler Seguin and goalie Ben Bishop were non-factors for 2020-21 due to pre- and post-operation timetables. Seguin’s hip surgery was delayed following a recovery period that was longer than the Stars initial four-month estimate. The 28-year-old ultimately returned to the ice for the Stars final 3 games of the season. Bishop did not return to the ice after his slower-than-expected recovery from knee surgery.