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Dallas Stars: Players Only Meeting showing dividends already.

By Caleb Nunn |
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Interim head coach Rick Bowness of the Dallas Stars watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Interim head coach Rick Bowness of the Dallas Stars watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Immediately following a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Dallas Stars elected to hold a players only meeting in the locker room. While we don’t know exactly what was addressed or who all took the lead, we do know what these events entail. A players only meeting is called when issues arise within the ranks. As the name entails, no coaches or staff of any kind is allowed. This allows grievances to be aired and resolutions to be made and can make or break a teams season. This was absolutely necessary for the Dallas Stars after falling far short of expectations.

Rick Bowness and a few players addressed the media following the players only meeting. While players like Jason Robertson and Braden Holtby spoke more of trusting the process and the leadership, Roope Hintz just said “We had a talk with the group there, and that stays there.” It sounded like a lot came out in the meeting and even more would be done as Rick Bowness was adamant in saying “I know exactly what’s wrong with this team and we’re going to fix it.” Fix it they did, as the Stars have steamrolled their way through the 2 games since.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars takes an overtime water break against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2021 in New York City. The Stars defeated the Rangers 3-2 in the shootout.(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars takes an overtime water break against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2021 in New York City. The Stars defeated the Rangers 3-2 in the shootout.(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Stars won in a commanding 5-2 fashion Saturday night vs the Philadelphia Flyers, the first regulation win this season for Dallas. Then on Tuesday night defeated the Detroit Red Wings, once again by a score of 5-2. Two games removed from the players only meeting and both games they more than doubled the goals per game average from before (2.25.) I find even more impressive how quickly the Stars pulled together and looked like a cohesive unit. Instead of playing dump an chase all night the Stars skated the puck in, played well defensively forcing turnovers in neutral ice, and did a lot of the little things right.

Related Story. Dallas Stars vs Philadelphia Flyers recap: Stars finally win in regulation. light

“I know exactly what’s wrong with this team and we’re going to fix it.” – Rick Bowness

While they still aren’t quite where they need to be, this provides hope that they’re on the right track. Roope Hintz scored in both games extending his goal streak to 3 games. Jamie Benn played like the Captain of this team again, getting a gritty deflection goal against Detroit and overall being an absolute menace on the ice. Follow all of that up with stellar performances from Anton Khudobin and Jake Oettinger posting .939 and .933 save percentages on 30+ shots and we have a recipe for contention in this league.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 19: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Stars defeated the Flyers 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 19: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Stars defeated the Flyers 4-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

With Roope Hintz having the hot hand, we need to keep this ball rolling. The line of Robertson-Hintz-Pavelski has proven to be the top lineup on the team, with a combined stat line of 5 goals 4 assists and 9 points over the last 2 games. If they keep playing solid defense with stout goaltending our offense is primed for an explosion. One key thing that I noticed is that Dallas isn’t resting on their laurels when they get ahead. After the empty net goal was scored against Detroit, Dallas played like it was a 5-5 game instead of 5-2, they wanted number 6. This shows a sign that they’re no longer going to have any complacency in their locker room. A team that holds no room for complacency is a very dangerous team to face.

While the Stars have looked incredible since the players only meeting, the road only gets tougher ahead. This team is incredibly resilient, however, and I truly believe they can face anything that comes their way. With 4 of the next 6 games coming inside the central division this is the time to step it up a notch. Wins within the division are always tough but they are the fastest way back into the all too early hunt for a playoff spot.

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