The Dallas Stars found themselves one win away from setting a franchise record for consecutive wins as they headed out west on December 8th. Fast forward to Monday, December 13th, and the Stars have dropped every single game on their west coast swing not taking any of those games to OT for a single point. It is an all too familiar feeling of ebbs and flows with a franchise that seemingly loves the west coast with the way Benn and company ride waves like it’s the Endless Summer.
The highest highs are becoming less and less thrilling for Stars fans knowing that there is almost certainly a steady fall incoming. It’s a harsh and upsetting reality that the fan base has become accustomed to since the Stanley Cup Finals run inside the bubble that feels like an eternity ago.
Regardless of that Cup run, the Stars once again find themselves coming home after taking an absolute beating on the road.
Word around town is that a non-covid related bug has been taking its toll on the Stars, leaving multiple players being scratched or not playing at 100%, One of those players included leading goalscorer Roope Hintz, who did not play on Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. Whether it be the bug or the travel, the Stars have struggled mightily on the road this season only winning four of thirteen away games so far. (Three of those wins came in overtime or shootout.)
After this locker room bug is dead and gone, the Stars have to be better on the road. Plain and simple.
Ben Bishop Retires
Hit the waterworks.
Goalie Ben Bishop will be officially announcing his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after a conditioning stint in the AHL with the Texas Stars. Bishop allowed 8 goals on 34 shots against the Chicago Wolves in what would ultimately become his last professional game ever.
“It’s no secret, he (Bishop) has a degenerative knee injury, and he went down there, he wanted to be a big part of this, he wanted to do everything he could to get back. In the end, by going through the process, going down there and playing, he found out that it’s the end of his career.”
Jim Nill on Ben Bishop’s career ending inury
Ben Bishop not only played for the Dallas Stars but he also attended Frisco High School while playing for the now defunct Texas Tornados of the NAHL. Bishop’s time in Texas will be looked on fondly, as well as his time in the NHL.
Bishop finished his career ranked in the top 10 with the Stars in wins (ninth), save percentage (first) and GAA (third).
The season continues this Tuesday night as the St. Louis Blues come to town to sully the good people of Dallas.
Breaking: The Dallas Stars have officially placed goalie Anton Khudobin on waivers as of Monday afternoon. Check on your Stars friends. We are not okay.
The Morning Skate 