Coming off of two consecutive losses, the Dallas Stars are looking to return to the success they were experiencing last week in their next game against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Stars went into their home game against the New York Rangers off of a streak of three straight wins looking to expand the streak, but were upset in a close 3-2 regulation loss. There were many moments in the 3rd where it seemed the Stars would even up the score and move into overtime, but ultimately their efforts were futile as the game came to an end.
Their next game came on the 23rd against the St. Louis Blues, putting them once again on the road and pitting them against their former captain Brenden Morrow for the first time since his trade in March of this year. The Stars were also coming out of a streak of six straight road wins. The game proved to be one of the most disappointing of the season for the Stars, losing with a humiliating final score of 1-6.
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
This type of play from the Stars has some wondering, is this it for the Stars? Are the tides turning? Are we going to be disappointed once again with no postseason play from Dallas?
My answer is no. Despite having some slip ups in their play recently (namely defense), the Stars will continue to put up great numbers as they have done all season. The team seemed to have gotten a bit too comfortable with their success in their 7-3 win against the Calgary Flames and have found it harder and harder to do well while in that comfort zone. The loss against the Blues has surely been a lesson to the Stars, showing them that success is earned and that they must work hard, especially as a part of one of the toughest divisions in the league.
Coach Lindy Ruff has stated that the team has received many opportunities, but needs to take advantage of those opportunities. He is also very focused on teaching the team how to close games when they are ahead and not let a lead slip away. Ruff says that the team has played well, but needs to work hard to get the wins.
Also speaking on goaltender Kari Lehtonen, Ruff has said that he wants to put Dan Ellis in for the next game to relieve Kari not only of physical fatigue, mentioning that he has played wonderful for the team thus far, but also just needs some time to relieve himself of the mental fatigue and stress that comes with being a goaltender. He also mentioned that Ray Whitney is back and will be playing in the next game against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Stars are going to have to work very hard to redeem themselves in their next game tomorrow (11/26) against the Ducks, currently number one in the NHL. Going into this game, Dallas will need to step up their defense, as well as tighten up the offense. The Stars should most likely try to get the lead early then focus on defense throughout the game, preventing the Ducks from getting shots off and cracking down on them to prevent them from getting the upper hand.
A new star is rising in Dallas.
Brendon Carlton
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