The Dallas Stars were inches away from eliminating the eventual Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the Second Round of last year’s playoffs. It’s no surprise that the Stars have suddenly found themselves one game away from returning to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2008.
Though many questions shadowed the Dallas Stars heading into the bubble, they are finally playing to their expectations. The lowest-ranked offense of the top four seeded teams have suddenly outscored the Colorado Avalanche in the Second Round of the playoffs. While it has surprised many, this Dallas Stars team has always had the talent to be a Stanley Cup contender.
These key pieces are just now falling into place.
Offseason Acquisitions Paying off
Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry have certainly proven to be the missing pieces to a championship team that the Stars have needed so desperately in the past. Pavelski, former Sharks Captain, already has 7 goals in 13 games in his playoff debut with the Stars. Corey Perry, 35 years old, has brought physicality to the Stars forecheck and provided a threat in front of the net. Both have over 277 playoff games played, and their experience has impacted the Stars immensely. Perry last won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007 while Pavelski is still chasing his first.
Stars Defenseman
There is no secret that the Stars rely on their defenseman to start their offensive pressure. Johnathan Klingberg and 21-year-old Miro Heiskanen have helped the Stars jumpstart their offense in the postseason. Miro Heiskanen alone leads all defenseman in the playoffs with 18 points. While Johnathan Klingberg has offensively been consistent at the point with 2 goals and 8 assists. The defensive depth of the Stars has not disappointed as well. Esa Lindell and Jamie Oleksiak have constantly added physicality that Stars defenseman have missed in the past. If anyone is questioning how the Stars are suddenly producing on the offensive end, the answer lies on the other side of the ice.
Goalies
Although Ben Bishop had a forgettable unexpected game 5, Anton Khudobin has certainly proven that he can carry the Stars through a playoff series. With a .911 SV% posted by Khudobin, he has certainly not looked like a backup. If Ben Bishop can return to his elite form, the Stars could arguably have the best goalie dynamic duo left in the playoffs. These two unquestionably, have the capability to carry this team to a Stanley Cup.
The Dallas Stars, without a doubt have all the talent in the world to finally hold up the Stanley Cup since 1999. If the team continues its momentum, the Stars will be the last team to pack up in the bubble.
