Several NHL teams are struggling to score goals to start the season. The Dallas Stars are not one of those teams after three strong offensive displays powered them to an undefeated 3-0-0. Three games is a small sample size, but the forwards are getting the job done with five goals in each game so far. This erases concerns from the finish of last season alongside an unelated performance in the Western Conference Final. Defensemen and depth forwards are also joining the fun. The Stars are one of the only two teams left that are undefeated. Their potent offense can take them further in the winning streak.

Top Line

Many eyes focused on Mikko Rantanen’s performance in his first full season in Dallas after signing an 8-year extension. He scored the first goal of the season 3:15 into the game in Winnipeg, burying a rebound off a shot from Roope Hintz. All members of that top line are stacking the points sheet, averaging over one point per game. Robertson leads the team with his +4 rating alongside two goals and two assists. Again, this small sample size puts them towards the top of the NHL with 4.67 goals per game if you don’t count the shootout-winning extra goal in Denver. Other teams are starved for goals.

Depth

Some teams are struggling mightily to score goals. The New York Rangers already have three home games under their belt, and they’ve yet to score in any of them. The Buffalo Sabres have only two goals in three games so far. The Stars are not having this problem with depth scoring joining the party. Wyatt Johnston leads the team in goals, scoring a highlight-reel beauty Tuesday night during the home-opener. Even defensemen are putting up numbers. Thomas Harley already recorded five points. Esa Lindell and Nilk Lundkvist are also lighting the lamp. This is helpful considering where they ended last season.

Last Season

This goal-scoring outburst to start the season is a welcome change of pace compared to last season. The regular season ended on a terrible note with the team finishing 0-5-2 in their last seven games. This struggle also translated into the playoffs as the Stars couldn’t find a goal during some games against all three of their opponents in the playoffs, being shutout four times. Several players scoring goals early means the stress is not all on one player or line. Jason Robertson scored the final four out of five goals in their four straight losses to the Oilers in the Western Conference Final. It looks like that struggle ended once the seasons switched over.

The Stars burst out of the gate with a tough schedule to start the season. Three central division matchups against three playoff teams is a tough test for anyone and the Stars passed with flying colors, winning all three contests. The Stars will test their 1.000 winning percentage on Thursday against Vancouver. Vancouver beat the Stars the last time they visited Dallas, erasing a 5-2 deficit with under one minute remaining. The Stars will look to continue their potent offense.

Photo Credit: @DMN_Stars

Tags: dallas stars Esa Lindell Jason Robertson Mikko Rantanen nhl Roope Hintz Thomas Harley

Categorized: Stars