Well, what about that? I’m dusting off this old keyboard and finally typing words again. Life has a way of working itself out and bringing me back to where it all started. Typing words on a keyboard that some of you may or may not be able to read. (You know that. Dirty little hockey fans.) I think I remember how to do this, so let’s just dive in because, don’t you know, the Dallas Stars are a quiet vehicle hanging around in what seemed like a shakier start than what Stars fans are used to.
Earlier today, the popular Instagram page @br_openice posted a post with a one-word answer for each NHL team’s season to date. Bleacher Report’s Sara Civian summed up the Dallas Stars season with the most apt word in the dictionary. “Fine”
Realistically, it’s fine. The Stars’ current injury problems are evident. Jamie Benn has been out with a punctured lung and is currently traveling with the team on their Canadian swing. (This is great news since he was unable to travel by plane after his surgery.) Matt Duchene has been out since October 18 and so far reports suggest a later return rather than sooner. Nils Lundkvist was placed on long-term injured reserve at the end of October due to a lower-body injury. Nils’ timetable for return remains uncertain. Finally, and most recently, PTO signee Adam Erne is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a lower-body injury, D Magazine’s Robert Tiffin reports. Not to mention the time missed by the offensive weapon known as Roope Hintz. Needless to say, the injury bug has plagued the Dallas Stars in the ‘you know what’ all season.
Okay, so the Stars are a little beat up. Dallas currently ranks 16th in goals scored, 14th in shooting percentage and 25th in shots on goal, while their offensive zone time ranks 19th. A middle-of-the-pack offense, as it stands. There’s nothing flashy or flashy that says, “Oh, this is a wagon. Keep an eye on them.” On the other end, the Stars shined defensively. With a penalty kill of 82.02% and their goals against per game of 2.71, which falls within the top half of the league for the 2024-2025 season. With names like Heiskanen, Lindell and Harley (although not playing up to his potential, I’d say), manning a great defensive front and continuing to hold Dallas in every game played.
Last but certainly not least. Considered one of the best duos in the league, goaltending duo Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith continue to step up when it matters most. Oettinger currently mans the crease with a 7-3 record and an improving 2.89 GAA with one shutout. Your ‘1-B’ goaltender, DeSmith, has held down the fort in Otter’s absence with a 3-1 record, a 2.73 GAA and a 0.897% save percentage. Look for both to improve on these numbers as the Stars get key pieces back from injury and tilt the ice toward the opposing netminders.
All in all, it’s early. We’re only halfway through November and the Stars are currently fourth in the league with 23 points. Also good enough to rank 2nd in the Central Division. Besides, where did the Ducks come from? Thank goodness, oh my. So yes, the Dallas Stars are “fine” and what if that means they are 4th in the entire league while missing their captain and one of their top producing offensive weapons? Damn, they look great indeed.
It’s a good time to be a Stars fan. With the recent announcement of a Stadium Series game at Jerry World and the lifting of the curse in Ottawa, the Stars continue to find ways to win. With seven one-goal wins and three come-from-behind wins so far, the Stars aren’t just winning, they’re making it interesting. It’s fine.
P.S. Good to be back. I missed you hooligans.
#Fine #Dallas #good