On the road vs the Calgary Flames, Saturday March 18th we got to see a first for Texas hockey. The mark of back to back 40 goal seasons was set on an earlier tying goal to make it four all vs a recently established rival. For the game winning icing on the cake, Jason Robertson scored his 41st goal to call game in overtime.
A first in Dallas, and third overall
There were only two other times in franchise history when somebody would score 40 or more goals in back to back seasons. Both of those came during the Minnesota North Stars years. Dino Ciccarelli, and Dave Gagner had those campaigns as well. But in the here and now, it’s Robertson’s time. He commented after scoring his 40th, and 41st goals in a victory at the Calgary Flames.
“I think I had to work out of it the last couple of games,” Robertson said of the fact his goal scoring is part of a process that requires daily care with linemates Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz.
“It was tough sledding,” he said. “But the game today, I got together with Roope and Joe and tried to find out what we can do better and how we can be more productive, just try to support each other more. Tonight, we did that.”
Roberson continued. “They put me out there to try to produce,” he said. “My linemates are having great seasons, Miro is having a great season, a lot of guys on this team are having fantastic seasons, so that kind of bleeds into my game, and that success translates from the team to the individuals. We’re doing really well in the standings right now and we want to keep it that way. And it helps for a guy like me to achieve that milestone.”
Dallas’ American superstar
Roberson is clearly the runaway favorite to win the annual Mike Modano trophy. It will be fun that an American born to win the award. Moreso than that, Roberson will earn it by being the Star who puts up the most points.
Photo credit: bardown.com
Roberson is also on the verge in passing Modano’s record of 93 points in a season. A record set with the North Stars in 1993. One year before the team relocated to Dallas. With Robertson sitting at 91 points, the upcoming Mike Modano trophy winner will soon pass Mo for a Stars’ record in points for a season.
Helping Dallas to believe
Come the playoffs anything can happen once you get in. Once you’re in it’s all about getting the W four times out of seven vs a drawn opponent. Often times teams that win that silver holy grail have guys who can light up the goal column on the stat sheet.
While the Stars have had their ups and downs this season (the biggest downside was February), Roberson has the Stars as a threat to win the Stanley Cup. Being seen as a strong dark horse to win it all. For all of his success just past his 200 games, Robertson is only getting started.
Featured photo: espn.com
