The Dallas Stars played really great hockey for 50 minutes, then tragedy struck. The Stars made some costly mistakes that the Oilers capitalized on. The Oilers would go on to win 6-3 over Dallas on Wednesday night. The Stars playing on National TV have not been kind to them this season. Ryan Suter absolutely needs to be traded at the deadline for someone. I don’t care if the Stars have to pay half his contract, he’s got to go. Here are the three takeaways from tonight’s loss.
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Recap: 3. Offense has evolved in the league
The Dallas Stars have got to get their defense figured out soon. The offense around the league has definitely increased from last season. You are starting to see more games where there are 4+ goals a game.
Take a look at the chart below and look at how the average save percentage among goalies has decreased over the last six years. Right now, Oettinger’s save percentage is .922 which is higher than the average this season. So there’s no need to panic right now about Oettinger. He’s not going to win every single game he starts. He just needs help with defense in the Star’s zone right now.
I would still resign him to a long-term deal even if we didn’t make the playoffs if he were to be a UFA. You’re not going to find a better young goaltender in the league. The Stars really don’t have anyone else developed right now that could take his place except Maxim Mayorov.
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Recap: 2. Trade Ryan Suter
I know this is probably a long shot but the Stars have to start looking for a team to take him. I don’t care if the Stars have to take on half of his salary for two seasons. His terrible defense in the 3rd period allowed Connor McDavid to score on a 2-on-1 to put the game out of reach for the Dallas Stars. Right now, there are two defensemen on the Texas Stars I rather have out there than Suter. He’s got to figure it out soon or else he will be traded or bought out by Dallas later this season.
Dallas Stars vs Edmonton Oilers Recap: 1. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are the MVPs tonight
I will try to not make this entire postgame article dark and gloomy. There were two players that really stuck out to me on the ice tonight for the Stars. Those two players were Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. These two players showcased themselves on offense tonight. Check out this pass from Robertson to Hintz for the first goal of the game.
Let’s move on to the second period where Wyatt Johnston opened up the scoring in the first minute of the second frame sniping one past Stuart Skinner. This was a great pass from Mason Marchment that set up the goal. Check out the goal down below.
Hopefully, the GM that will be taking over for Nill sees what Wyatt Johnston brings to the table and can get an extension done with him before he hits the free agent market. We have one more game on the schedule before the holiday break and it’s Friday against the Montreal Canadiens at home. There was a time change made a couple of days ago so keep an eye out on the Blackout Dallas Social pages for more details tomorrow.