Well, you can’t win every game on your NHL regular season schedule. It’s just not possible unless you have a roster of a bunch of all-stars on your roster. The Vegas Golden Knights got the best of the Dallas Stars in a Western Conference rematch last night 3-2. The Stars gave it their all on the ice considering they only played one game going into the matchup. Let’s take a look at three positive takeaways from last night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights Recap: 3. Stars played physical
The one thing that surprised me in the loss to Vegas was how physical the Stars were last night. Players were throwing their bodies into the Golden Knights and were giving them a taste of their own treatment on their home ice. I was more shocked about how physically Jason Robertson played. That was the most physical I’ve ever seen him be in a Stars’ uniform. If the Stars can mix the physicality with their scoring moving forward, the league better watch out.
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights Recap: 2. Pavelski and Sons look back to normal
I wasn’t expecting the Pavelski and Sons line to score every goal tonight especially since this was Roope Hintz’s first game back in the lineup. Joe Pavelski was able to find the scoresheet early in the third period to give the Stars a 2-1 lead. Roope Hintz had an assist on the goal and it was good to see him get a point in his first game back. I expect that the Stars’ top line will continue to produce scoring chances against Anaheim on Thursday night.
Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights Recap: 1. Jake Oettinger delivered in the loss
Jake Oettinger had a really great game tonight despite the loss in the shootout. He was the reason why the Stars were even in the game in the first place. He should not be blamed for either goal tonight that was scored on him. The first Golden Knights goal was because Esa Lindell screened him and the second one was due to a quick redirection not far in front of the net. Oettinger is looking like an early Vezina Trophy candidate early on this season.