All in all quietly, and a few nights noticeably the Dallas Stars. The Stars are known for playing with speed, puck possession and skill. There’s an element of their game that has improved this season: playing with more grit, and physicality.
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan was an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers, and on the other side of things saw that the Stars were missing something essential for a Stanley Cup contender: the ability to play physical, and stand up for your teammates when they inevitably take a cheap shot from somebody in an opposing uniform. There’s a certain rookie who’s been grabbing most of the headlines for the Stars this past week we will highlight.
Signing vets Ernie and Bastian
It’s not just a rookie making some noise, and forcing opponents to show Dallas some more respect. NHL vet Adam Ernie was brought onto the team this past summer to help the Stars play with more grit, and more of an edge. Doing his part as a physical, energy player who can come in and out of the lineup.
Speaking of a depth player who can spark the lineup with grit and physicality, Nathan Bastian has been playing his role well too. Bastian signed with the Stars as a free agent to lend a muscle, and a little intimidation to other teams looking to push buttons.
Ritzy giving opponents fitzies
Stars rookie Justin Hryckowian is becoming a cult hero in Dallas. He’s been doing it all season, but last Thursday on March 12th vs the Edmonton Oilers, Ritzy became a cult hero much like former Star Antoine Roussel in Dallas. Spirited, and ready to stick up for the guys against anybody who wants to play bully.
Just a few nights ago on March 12th, Hryckowian showed the Oilers, and Connor McDavid that this Stars team ain’t to be messed with, without a fight. He has put the rest of the NHL too this season.
No sweating any downsides
All teams have players who get penalized. All teams also have guys who get fined or suspended. It is what it is, and nobody’s perfect. Especially playing in such a fast, intense, physical game.
Mikko Rantanen was one of the Stars who took it on himself to play with an extra edge this season. Dishing out a few controversial hits, and serving a suspension with a fine to boot. He may’ve crossed the line earlier this season. But the message we’re all seeing now is clear. The Stars are not gonna be another team’s doormat like the last two years vs the Oilers in the western conference finals.
Bich please
Prior to this season, there was one big sized body helping Stars captain Jamie Benn knock some guts around. Lian Bichsel already had one year under his belt. Helping to close the gap in the hit column.
Photo credit: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images
When Bichsel was injured and missed some time, his absence in the lineup was felt by the Stars in a negative way. The numbers, and the win/loss column doesn’t lie. The Stars are simply a better team when Bichsel is in the lineup and healthy.
Featured photo: X app @Buccigross
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Categorized:Stars