After what feels like 84 years, the Dallas Stars are back in action tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Stars can’t take this team lightly even though they had the third overall pick in the NHL Draft this past summer. They have looked quite impressive at times during the season so far with Adam Fantilli. Hopefully, the Stars are up for the challenge tonight and are ready to dismantle the cannons. Let’s look at the three keys of the game tonight against the Blue Jackets.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview: 3. Attack the net early
The Stars need to attack the net early tonight against the Blue Jackets. They didn’t do that against the Toronto Maple Leafs last Thursday night, and the Leafs gave the Stars their first regulation loss of the season. I want to see our top-line crash that net like no tomorrow. They haven’t been the threat that they should be so far early on in the season. If the Stars can’t take the Blue Jackets out of the game early tonight, it might be a long night for the Stars.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview: 2. Stop Adam Fantilli
Adam Fantilli is in the middle of his rookie tour getting accustomed to the NHL. It’s time to give him a warm “Texas welcome” to the NHL tonight. I want him to be very uncomfortable every time that he touches the puck tonight. He hasn’t been introduced to Texas Hockey and he needs a very rough introduction into how the Stars play hockey down here in Texas. If the Stars don’t guard him tonight, it could also lead to a long night for the Dallas Stars.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview: 1. Score on the power play
The Stars really need to get their power play going tonight against the Blue Jackets. I don’t know what went on during the offseason working on fixing the power play but it’s not working right now. It has looked atrocious at times and the Stars’ opponents seem to be cashing in on it more than they should. It’s time to turn that around tonight by punishing the Blue Jackets every time they commit a penalty. If they can cash in on the power play, the Stars should win tonight.