The Dallas Stars can’t handle the Hurricanes as they lose 5-4 in OT
By Brian Sweet
The Dallas Stars deserve some credit for making a comeback in the 3rd period to tie the game. However, we still need to work on how to play 3-on-3 hockey in OT. The Stars fall to the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night in OT 5-4. The Stars have got to learn to start dominating from the beginning of the game instead of rallying to tie at the end. If they want to be a contender in the Western Conference this season, they can’t afford to keep doing this. Here are the three takeaways from the loss last night.
Dallas Stars vs Carolina Hurricanes Recap: 3. Stop committing penalties
Pete DeBoer has got to start coming down on his players for committing too many penalties. We had two in the first period and four in the second period for a total of six penalties. That’s six too many in my opinion. Two of the goals that Carolina scored were on the power play tonight. You take away those power play goals and the Stars come away with two points instead of one.
Dallas Stars vs Carolina Hurricanes Recap: 2. Losing in OT could come back and hurt us
This could really hurt us at the end of the season when it comes time for securing the Star’s playoff spot. The Stars end up being second in the division to Winnipeg by a couple of points and would look back and wish that they didn’t lose so many times in OT. Stars should be playing for being one of the first teams in the playoffs instead of being the last one in like last season.
Dallas Stars vs Carolina Hurricanes Recap: 1. Getting out to a huge lead early
The Dallas Stars looked like they were asleep in the first ten minutes of the game last night. The Hurricanes could have dropped 4 goals on them within those minutes if they wanted to. There needs to be a better effort out of the gate from now on. As I mentioned above, I would like to see the Stars get out to an early lead instead of rallying from behind.
Dallas Stars vs Carolina Hurricanes recap: My stance on Oettinger sitting tonight
I’m sure most of you saw the tweet where I got on Pete DeBoer benching Oettinger tonight for Wedgewood. Since Elon Musk hasn’t changed the character limit, here’s my full stance on it.
Scott Wedgewood is an amazing backup goaltender don’t get me wrong. I was just puzzled that he didn’t go with the hot hand in goal tonight. Oettinger had a 45-save game against the Capitals on Thursday night. If Bowness was the coach, he would have been playing tonight. I know they are being cautious with him due to the injury from earlier this season.
But here’s the thing, Oettinger has got to start carrying more of the load if he wants to be the franchise goaltender. I’m not asking him to play all 82 games and carry the team like Luka Doncic is now, He’s got to learn to play for 5 or more games at a time. Here’s what’s going to happen down the road in a couple of years.
A. Wedgewood isn’t going to take a bargain contract again with the Stars. Someone is going to offer him a good deal and he will take it since he’s getting up in age. Just don’t expect the Stars
B. Adam Scheel and Matt Murray could bolt and sign with another team if they do well down in the minors. Oettinger might need to play for longer periods of time if the Stars can’t find a suitable backup replacement in free agency.
C. Maxim Mayorov (Oettinger’s future backup) needs some development time before joining the Stars in the KHL. He isn’t going to be ready for a couple of years. if the Stars can’t hold on to Wedgewood or any of the goalie prospects, he will need to be ready for this huge workload.
In conclusion, I’m looking out for Oettinger’s best interest if he wants to be the franchise goalie. With a title like that, comes great responsibility and workload. The Stars need to prepare him for what might possibly come down the road now rather than two years from now. I’ve seen what Otter has done for the franchise already and I know he is ready to handle some more workload.