This has certainly been a grinding year for the Dallas Stars. Injuries, one goal losses, past regulation struggles, and an even more compacted schedule than was already dialed up by the NHL. Between the covid delays, and the Texas freeze the Stars’ schedule is a tedious ride. That’s also putting it mildly. One of the positives; many younger players are once again grabbing the bull by the horns.
Jason Robertson was the first rookie to make noise this season. He is not only among the top point producers on the team, he’s also scoring at critical points to help Dallas in the points column in the central division standings. Making coaching decisions for Rick Bowness alot easier when shuffling lines.
Rhett Gardner first started playing with the Dallas Stars last year. But like so many skaters in their early twenties, Gardner is also making noise in the scoring column. Like his first of many NHL goals this past Sunday vs the Nashville Predators.
Ty Dellandrea is another rookie quietly putting up points for the Stars. He was the first rookie this season to leave his mark on the team. A young player who shows commitment with both the Dallas, and the AHL Texas Stars is a luxury for any team and coach.
Last, but certainly not least of the rookies; Jake Oettinger. Playing in his first full season with the Stars he continues to dazzle. Fresh off of a couple games from the 2020 playoffs, Oettinger continues to do his part to help Dallas get back into competing for the fourth, and final playoff spot in the central division standings. Whether he’s making momentum changing saves, or posting a goose egg in the goals against column Oettinger helps solidify the goaltending position while Ben Bishop continues to recover from last year’s surgery.
Photo credit: Associated Press
Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Denis Gurianov and Joel Kiviranta are also younger Stars that have come in to their own for the team in the last couple years. The window is far from closing in Big D. It’s open, and will stay open for some time as long as the front office doesn’t squander the talent.
Regardless of how this unusual, and punishing year’s schedule plays out Dallas is going to be good for a while. Even if the Stars miss the playoffs this year, the skill is still there. It might even be a blessing in disguise for an extended offseason to get the athletes young, and older rested and healed up. While the young guns continue to pour it on in the points column.
In the words of The Who; the kids are alright.
Featured photo: nhl.com
