Well, how about that? I am dusting off this old keyboard and typing words again, finally. Life has a way of working itself out and bringing me back to where it all started. Typing words on a keyboard that some of you may or may not read. (You know you will. Dirty little hockey fans.) I think I remember how to do this, so let’s just dive in because, wouldn’t you know, the Dallas Stars are a quiet wagon hanging around in what has seemed like a shakier start than what Stars fans are used to.
Earlier today, popular Instagram page @br_openice dropped a post giving a one-word response for each NHL team’s season thus far. Bleacher Report’s Sara Civian summed up the Dallas Stars season with the most appropriate word in the dictionary. “Fine”
Realistically, it is fine. The Stars’ current injury woes are apparent. Jamie Benn has been out with a punctured lung and is currently traveling with the team on their Canadian swing. (This is great news considering he wasn’t able to travel by plane after his surgery.) Matt Duchene has been absent since October 18th, and as of now, reports suggest a later rather than sooner return. Nils Lundkvist was placed on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury in late October. Nils’ timetable to return remains uncertain. Lastly, and most recently, PTO signee Adam Erne is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks due to a lower-body injury, Robert Tiffin of D Magazine reports. Not to mention the time missed by the offensive weapon known as Roope Hintz. Needless to say, the injury bug has been stinging the Dallas Stars in the “you know what” all season long.
Okay, so the Stars are a bit beat up. Dallas currently ranks 16 in goals, #14 in shooting percentage, and #25 in shots on goal, while their offensive zone time ranks #19. A middle-of-the-pack type offense, as it stands. Nothing flashy or that stands out to say, “Oh, this is a wagon. Keep an eye out for them.” On the flip side, the Stars have been shining defensively. Boasting a penalty kill at 82.02% and their goals against per game at 2.71, which is within the top half of the league for the 2024-25 season. With names like Heiskanen, Lindell, and Harley (albeit not playing to his potential, I would argue), manning a stellar defensive front, continuing to keep Dallas in each and every game played.
Last but certainly not least. The goaltending duo of Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith, considered one of the best duos in the league, continues to step up when it matters most. Oettinger currently mans the crease with a 7-3 record and an improving 2.89 GAA with one shutout. Your “1-B” goalie, DeSmith, has held down the fort in Otter’s absence with a 3-1 record, a 2.73 GAA, and a .897% save percentage. Look for both to improve on those numbers as the Stars regain key pieces due to injury and tilt the ice towards opposing netminders.
All in all, it’s early. We are only halfway through November, and the Stars currently sit 4th in the league with 23 points. Also good enough to stand at 2nd in the Central Division. By the way, where did the Ducks come from? Goodness me, oh my. So yeah, the Dallas Stars are “Fine” and if fine means being 4th in the entire league while missing their captain and one of their top producing offensive weapons? Damn, they look fine indeed.
It’s a good time to be a Stars fan. With the recent announcement of a Stadium Series game at Jerry World and the lifting of the curse in Ottawa, the Stars continue to find ways to win. With seven one-goal match wins so far, and three come-from-behind victories, the Stars not only win, they make it interesting. It’s fine.
PS. Good to be back. Missed you hooligans.
The Morning Skate 