Texas Stars’ top line shows lots of promise given current statistics

Sep 26, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) brings the puck out of the Stars zone during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) brings the puck out of the Stars zone during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Though the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, have struggled at home, there are several positive notes to start the 2023-24 season. Despite having a 3-2-1-1 record for a cumulative three wins and four losses, the Texas Stars are still leading the Central Division. No doubt, a big reason for this is the Stars’ top line.

Texas Stars’ Top Line Leads By Example

Currently, the Texas Stars are led in points by Logan Stankoven (9 points), Mavrik Bourque (8 points), Matej Blumel (7 points), and Curtis McKenzie (7 points). Stankoven, Bourque, and Blumel have been working very well together, racking up a cumulative 24 points in just seven games. Logan Stankoven’s point tallies have been especially notable, as he’s put up five goals and is currently leading the team.

Highlights from the last four home games have shown that the team’s scoring leaders have plenty of chemistry together, accomplishing a lot in just a few games. However, the team must break the same curse as its NHL affiliate – getting wins in overtime scenarios. The Texas Stars have lost two games in overtime, one coming in a shootout. While this does provide the team with points to stay ahead in its division, Dallas Stars fans will readily recognize the struggle to finish a game victorious in extra time.

Takeaways from the Top Forwards’ Start of the Season

Nonetheless, there is much to look forward to with the Dallas Stars’ future. The team’s top prospects are producing well despite the overtime adversity and struggling at home. They’ve proven successful on the road thus far, but consistency throughout the season will be important for success this season.

Already, the Texas Stars are showing that they’re capable of generating a fair amount of offense, but an ability to finish games that go into extra time and improving at home should be key goals for the near future.

Bourque, Blumel, and Mackenzie have been racking up assists steadily. The chemistry and skills provided not just by them but also by their defensive partners have set the Texas Stars off to a promising start. Christian Kyrou, often on the ice with Blumel, Bourque, and Stankoven when they find success, has enabled offensive movement, accumulating three assists.  Pouliot has also garnered a goal and two assists, leading the team’s defensemen in scoring.

With most of the season lying ahead, the Texas Stars are off to a good start in Cedar Park. Consistency, continued chemistry, and a push to conquer overtime scenarios could put the AHL team in a good spot overall. In the future, the Dallas Stars could have some major offensive threats, as well as some major depth, based on the numbers and skillsets the Texas Stars are showing and developing.