While that magical run came to a stop in game six of the final round Dallas Stars fans should be able to one day look back and remember 2020 (at least with Stars hockey) as something enjoyable that comes to mind. If fans don’t already.
First thing’s first: the best season in twenty years. The last time the Stars made it to the Stanley Cup Finals was in 2000. While we wanted the Stanley Cup back in Texas it still is the best Dallas team in two decades.
Dallas also proved to the hockey world that outdoor hockey can be done in the Sun Belt. A matchup of two southern hockey teams/rivals; the Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars put on a fantastic show. With the hosts at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl to drop the puck in 2020 with a come from behind four to two win.
Joe Pavelski aka “Captain America” became the all-time playoff goal-scoring leader during the team’s run. Goal No. 61 was important personally for Pavelski because it moved him into first place among all American-born hockey players in NHL history ahead of Joe Mullen (New York, N.Y., 60 goals) and Mike Modano (Livonia, Mich., 59 goals). This is one for the history books that should make any Stars fan happy. You don’t even have to be an American to enjoy that stat.
Before this year’s playoff run the Stars have never recorded a playoff hat trick as the Dallas Stars. Only when they were the Minnesota North Stars. That changed with two rookies; Denis Gurianov who had a four-goal game to help close out the Calgary Flames, and Joel (with a silent J) Kiviranta aka Joel (something that starts with an F) Kiviranta. That of which tied, and closed out the Colorado Avalanche in game seven overtime And of course Captain America Joe Pavelski throwing a hatty in the run as well also against Calgary. More info on Dallas’ all-time hat tricks can be seen, here.
Next up: the Finnish Mafia. Roope Hintz skating with that size, and speed. Miro Heiskanen one of the best, and the most underrated defenseman in the NHL. Joel Kiviranta exploded onto the scene with his second-round game seven hat trick vs Colorado. And last but not least; first-line solid defensive defenseman Esa Lindell.
Last but not least; Anton Khudobin. When Ben Bishop was deemed unfit to play (later revealed had knee surgery back in May), Dobby took over the starting job in round one vs Calgary. Most would argue was Dallas’ best player in their playoff run. From the highlight reel saves to his charismatic personality Dobby became a beloved Star for fans, players, and coaches alike
More on Anton Khudobin; as of yesterday he is sticking around in Dallas. Signing a three-year contract to remain with his team.
He remarked on his decision to stay with the Stars.
“Yes, I wanted to stay here,” Khudobin said. “I liked everything here. When I got here (before the 2018-19 season), everything was good, I felt [at] home. Guys welcomed me really well. All the management, all the coaches [were] good. So I’m happy to be here and sign for another three [seasons].”
Through all the injuries and upsets Dobby and the Stars posted their best season in twenty years.
That makes the campaign of the Western Conference Champions a positive one.
Featured Image: m.newsr.n
