Time really flies when you’re having fun. Fans of the Dallas Stars are having fun with a 14-7-5 record. This Stars team is different than years past. Now we are getting an idea of where the team is at since about 1/3 of the season is already completed. The fact that they are 14-7-5 shows they are doing something right. For example, the offense has the most goals in the NHL. The first 3rd of the season is ready for a grade, based on the season’s expectations.
Scoring: A++
To say the Stars have one of the best offenses in the NHL is something Stars fans hoped for but didn’t expect. The Stars continuously light the lamp each game with the exception of Tuesday night. Now Jason Robertson leads the NHL in goals. He is on Franchise record-breaking pace with 23 goals in 26 games. His 18-game point streak ended during the last game. Let’s see if he can keep up which should be likely with his 41 points.
Players on the top line are doing exactly what they are supposed to do. Hintz, Pavelski, and Robertson lead the team in points, each having over one per game. Jamie Benn is also on a point-per-game pace. Benn is perhaps the biggest surprise who is looking to surpass his point total from last year shortly. It’s also worth noting that the Stars have tied games in which they trailed 4-1 and 5-1. This offense is different from years past and they are an exciting one.
Defense and Goaltending: B
Solid players on the blue line are a necessity as they are the second-to-last lines of defense. Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are leading the way. Their +/- of 8 and 14 mean they are getting involved with the scoring while also keeping the puck out of the net. Only Ryan Suter and Nils Lundkvist have a negative +/- for defensemen but those numbers are only a -3 and -5. The team is clicking on all fronts including the defense.
Jake Oettinger is the number-one goaltender of this team for a good few years. His 9-3-3 record this season is backstopping the Stars to a solid record. We all what he can do in the playoffs so if the Stars get there this year then look out.
Conclusion
“It’s best not to look a gift horse in the mouth,” and this team embodies that saying. The Stars are an exciting team that’s fun to watch. The expectations for the season were at least a playoff spot but now it’s higher. Put an A on the report card all the way through. Lots of hockey is still left so let’s see what’s in store over the next string of games.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
