Fanbases of NHL teams evaluate each of their seasons upon its conclusion. The 2021-2022 Dallas Stars had one fatal flaw that ended up being the season-killer. Last year’s Stars team couldn’t find the back of the net when needed. Scoring 14 goals in 7 games ended their season at the hands of the Calgary Flames. The regular season last year also had the same problem. This year is completely different. The Stars are scoring at will and it’s not only the top guys producing. Depth scoring is a fundamental key to success and the Stars have it now. They are scoring left and right with almost everyone pitching in.
The Numbers
The Stars’ goals per game number is still great despite a bad night in Winnipeg Tuesday night. Offensive scoring is averaging 3.61 goals per game. It’s not the top number but they are still 7th in points percentage out of all the NHL. They’ve scored at least 4 goals in 7 out of their 13 games. Sprinkle in a 6 and 7-goal game and you have a scoring touch unseen by this fanbase in a while. The Stars can find the net and it’s everyone helping out.
The Top Line
Jason Robertson, Joe Pavelski, and Roope Hintz lead the scoring as the top line. Robertson has 19 points in 13 games followed by Hintz with 17. Re-signing Robertson was a huge deal for this franchise and it’s already starting to show. The top line will continue to produce points efficiently but it’s the depth that is providing.
Depth Scoring
Both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin receive the brunt of the criticism when things don’t go the Stars’ way. Both of these players are finally starting to score again. Benn scored 3 goals for a hat trick the other night. His 11 points is ahead of Seguin with 10. Look out if these two start getting that extra wind in their sails.
Joel Kiviranta already has 3 goals this year, tripling his entire goal production from last year in 43 fewer games. New signee Mason Marchment is also on the board with 4 goals, joining rookie Wyatt Johnston. 20 goals in their last 4 games is something to look at because everyone is firing on all cylinders.
Only 3 Stars players have a negative +/- and they’re all tied with the worst at -1. It’s great to see a scoring touch that went missing last season. Their 8-4-1 record will have a test next week with 3 out of the next 4 games on the road.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
