When your team enters the new season with a new head coaching staff, you’re not going to have a team with perfect chemistry on the ice and behind the bench. Thus far, the Stars’ record has been proof of team chemistry problems. There also has been signs of promise.
At least the first three games were good. Since then, not so much. Sloppy, and inconsistent play has been on overdrive early this season. To be fair, the lineup is missing alot of guy which doesn’t help rehired head coach Glen Gulutzan. But the Stars got to start winning again.
Giving games away
Dallas has had a problem with giveaways. And we’re not talking about the teams promotion schedule. Turnovers, and lapses on defensive assignments have cost the Stars some games early.
It’s still early in the season. Expect the goals against, and save percentages to improve for a team that generally prides itself on keeping the puck out of their net. You will lay an egg here and there when you play 82 games. It doesn’t help that the Stars are still dealing with a feeling out process in getting the players, and coaches on the same page on a nightly basis.
The PK ain’t special
Right now at least, the Stars don’t have that top 5 or top 10 penalty kill that we’re all accustomed to seeing. Having your penalty kill rank in the high 20s out of 32 teams ain’t a good look. Something that most people doubt we’ll be seeing come April.
With the penalty kill, much like the defense and goaltending it too will improve as the team continues to gel. At least they’ve shown that they can still kill penalties at important times to hold on to win games.
Injuries happen
There were many injuries for Dallas early in this season. None more felt than the absence of Matt Duchene, and when Roope Hintz was out for a bit. Duchene is the play maker Dallas’ offense is missing. The Stars are happy to have Hintz back though.
Stars Captain Jamie Benn is inching towards his return to the ice. Benn is showing everyone his toughness, and resilience during his rehab from a collapsed lung back in the preseason.
Photo credit: George Walker IV
In spite of all the inevitable adversity the Stars have faced, they’ve still racked up points in the standings in 9 of the last 10 games.
Featured photo: Mark Humphrey
Tags: #Coaching #Injuries #NHL #TexasHockey
Categorized: Stars