|
Six Reasons why the Dallas Stars have won seven games in a row |
|
|
|
|
|
This is an NHL season of impatience. It's early December and we've already had four coaching changes and four managerial shake-ups.
In early November, folks in the hockey community were wondering if Rick Bowness would survive in Dallas. The Stars had lost six out of seven and they looked out of step. But since then, the Stars have won nine out of 10. They take a seven-game winning streak into Wednesday's game at Vegas.
Here are six reasons why the Stars have turned around their season:
1. The Ryan Suter factor: He has solidified the Dallas defense. After taking a few games to adjust to a new system, he has added another layer of dependability. He is playing 22 minutes, 44 seconds per game. He is fifth on the team in scoring today with 13 points. The Dallas top four defensive group of Miro Heiskanan, Suter, John Klingberg and Esa Lindell measures well against any top four in the NHL. All four are playing roughly 22+ minutes per game.
2. Solid goaltending: It's been a nutty situation in Dallas with Braden Holtby, Anton Khudobin and Jake Oettinger all playing at various times. Now, we hear injured Ben Bishop could be back. They can't carry four goalies, and this turn of events could play havoc with their salary cap. But the bottom line: the NHL average save percentage is .906 and Stars goalies have combined for .912. Oettinger is 5-0 with a 1.41 goals-against average and .951 save percentage. Trading Khudobin seems to be the answer to this messiness.
3. Joe Pavelski is no ordinary Joe: The Wisconsin native is 37 and leads the Stars with 19 points in 22 games. Fourteen of his points have come at even-strength. Pavelski boasts three goals and 10 points during the ongoing seven-game winning streak.
4. Stars' power play is clicking: They rank fourth in the NHL with a 26.7% effectiveness. Heiskanen and Suter are sharp on the point. They have combined for four goals and 10 assists on the power play.
5. Own the faceoff circle: The Stars lead the NHL with a 55.4% faceoff percentage. GM Jim Nill put the Stars over the top by signing UFA Luke Glendening (56%) during the offseason. The Stars win plenty of big draws.
6. Improved depth: Dallas no longer goes as Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn go. Benn is tied for the team lead in goals with seven and Seguin has 10 points. They are significant contributors. But the Stars can win if those guys aren't going well. Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz are more dangerous offensively than Benn and Seguin at this point.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
Join the Discussion:
»