For those who wanted to see some of the veteran Dallas Stars play in a preseason game, you are in luck tonight, as the Stars take on the Minnesota Wild for the first of two games this week. Players like Mikko Rantanen and Jake Oettinger will be on the ice tonight, getting their first piece of preseason hockey. I didn't expect them to get into things this early, but I'm loving the fact that Glen Gulutzan is not afraid to play them this early in the preseason.
One of the things I will be watching tonight is to see the different line combinations Gulutzan uses to start the game. Especially with the top line, I want to see Gulutzan try various combinations with Rantanen throughout the game tonight. It's essential to ensure they nail that line chemistry perfectly this season. Based on the offseason losses, the Stars need to ensure their top line is in pristine condition. Here are the three keys to the game tonight against the Minnesota Wild.
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild: 3. Texas Hockey+
If you are a Dallas Stars fan, you should know what the definition of Texas Hockey is. It's a smash-mouth version where the opponent wants to leave the arena at the end of the first period. I want to see an improved version of that tonight against the Wild. It's essential to determine if the veteran players have what it takes to increase the physicality. Tonight would be a good test for the veteran players to prove to their new head coach that they aren't afraid to check their opponents into the boards.
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild: 2. Give Oettinger a period of hockey
Another thing I want to see tonight is Oettinger only getting the first period tonight. I know he will want to play the entire preseason game, but I don't want him getting injured in a meaningless game this season. I want to see him represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics and have a great season. No need to prove that he's the franchise goaltender against a bunch of young players on the Wild. Give Ben Kraws a couple of periods before he gets sent down to the minor leagues.
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild: 1. Find Chemistry with Rantanen
The primary goal of tonight's preseason game should be finding chemistry for Rantanen on the top line. I hope Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson are the first two players that Rantanen will play with tonight. Both players fit the style of play that Rantanen brings to the table by creating plays. If those two players work out with Rantanen during the preseason, then it should be an open-and-shutRantanen case for finding the right line partners for Rantanen. Keep an eye on the game to see the different combinations that Gulutzan throws at Rantanen tonight.