Over the last two seasons, the Dallas Stars forged a team identity as a scrappy underdog team that may have been a tad short on depth but never stopped battling and never quit on a game even if they faced an uphill climb. Comeback ability and all-around grit were key reasons why the Stars even came close to making the playoffs in 2011 and 2012.
If you combine the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, the Stars pulled 30 points (13 wins and 4 overtime/shootout losses) out of games the team trailed at the second intermission. Only the Washington Capitals had more successful third-period comebacks over the same time.
I realize that the "Pesky Stars" ultimately missed the playoffs both seasons. I also know the team has tried to upgrade the talent level in the top six of its lineup with the acquisitions of veterans Derek Roy, Ray Whitney and Jaromir Jagr. But I can't help but wonder if a little too much has been sacrificed in the grit department. Problems in the engine room -- i.e. the core of players who were the tone-setters and energy-creators -- were not what ultimately wrecked the ship for the team the last two years.
Without question, Steve Ott was a crucial tone-setter for the Stars. His value on and off the ice went far beyond his usually modest offensive statistics. He was the peskiest of the Pesky Stars -- the one whom players on other teams wanted to kill yet knew full well they would love to have as a teammate.
Likewise, one need only look at Dallas' combined 2010-11 and 2011-12 record with and without Adam Burish in the lineup to realize his importance to the team. No, he didn't score many goals, but he was a tenacious forechecker, an agitator and a fine penalty killer. He was also one of the club's best-liked players within the locker room. In short, he was another player that's a pain to play against but is great to have on your own side.
Team captain Brenden Morrow also had a major role in helping to shape the team's on-ice identity. He was not himself last season, and his ongoing injury concerns and the potential of a trade loom over the team. With Ott and Burish gone, Morrow is still very much needed by this team for his grit even if his goal scoring ability is on the decline. It is a positive sign that he appears to be more healthy as the start of camp looms tomorrow.
There is still some grit in bottom six of the lineup (which is where Morrow will now be playing, assuming he's moved down to the third line). Vernon Fiddler, Eric Nystrom and fourth-liner Ryan Garbutt bring sandpaper to their games. Mark Fistric adds some physicality to the blueline and new sixth defenseman Aaron Rome also adds some snarl.
Nevertheless, I am concerned that none of aforementioned forwards is capable of doing what Ott did for the team. Under both Marc Crawford and Glen Gulutzan, Ott moved all around the top nine of the lineup wherever needed. Many times, he was the Star who was most able to set -- or change -- the momentum of a game.
The Stars have unquestionably gotten more skilled than they were a year ago. So that is absolutely a positive step in the team's on-paper outlook heading into the shortened season. But will the gritty identity and chemistry be there? We'll start to find out soon.
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