Many of the teams in Dallas Stars’ history are defined by the eras of their play.
The Golden Era of the Stars came early in their history, from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Many Stanley Cup Final and Conference Final appearances cemented the only Stanley Cup in franchise history.
It’s been a long time since that legendary team. Many years fill team history with some good and bad. Many good years occurred recently with the team they have now, making it a long way.
This return to playoff prominence means a new era of Dallas Stars hockey is here.
One Stanley Cup Final appearance and two Western Conference Final appearances are just the beginning of what will define the franchise over the following years.
Previous Eras
The best era for the team occurred between 1997-2001. Several high season finishes led to 3 Western Conference Final appearances, two Stanley Cup Final appearances, and one Stanley Cup title. Every Stars fan can agree this is the best time in team history.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is 2009-2014. Six straight seasons without a playoff appearance dampened the will of Stars fans. Nothing good came out of that era besides Jamie Benn’s rise to fruition and the Tyler Seguin trade. 2014-2019 is described as the return to playoff hopes but ultimately falling short.
The Dawn of a New Age
The start of the current team era began on January 1, 2020. The Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl is the most memorable regular-season game in recent history. Winning 4-2 in front of over 80,000 fans kickstarted the decade and a new era of Stars hockey.
The COVID-19 pandemic shortened the season, but the Stars set off fireworks when hockey returned. Reaching the Stanley Cup Final after 2o years riveted Stars fans even though they ultimately fell short.
The Present
This past season is the best in recent memory. The Stars became one of the strongest squads in team history thanks to the surge from Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz.
The return back to the Western Conference Final gave hope to a promising future. The pieces are there for a Stanley Cup in the future.
The Future
Excitement is best used to describe Stars fans as the new season approaches. Players like Robertson, Hintz, and Oettinger are paving the way for the future. Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Joe Pavelski are the seasoned veterans bringing their experience to the team.
This era of Stars hockey may end up as the best. Just one Stanley Cup will build a lasting legacy for this team.
This team has all the talent to win one.
The golden era of Stars hockey is now.
Photo: Dallas Stars/X
