Stars 4, Blues 3 — A Game That Looked Like a Sitcom
It was the kind of hockey game that makes future screenwriters rethink their lives and ask, “Why hasn’t anyone written a sitcom about an NHL team yet?”
The Dallas Stars jumped out to a 3–0 lead against the St. Louis Blues faster than you can say “Matt Duchene hat trick” (okay, he actually scored two goals, but roll with it). Duchene was doing Duchene things — scoring goals and making goalies nervous — while Thomas Harley pulled off the game-winner with a deflection just over a minute left.
Roope Hintz also got in on the fun, and Jason Robertson played Swiss-army-assist, setting up plays like he was building IKEA furniture but with less swearing.
Meanwhile, Blues goalie Jordan Binnington was like that one friend at a party who shows up on time but leaves early — he made 20 saves, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Stars’ offense from throwing a four-goal party in his crease.
St. Louis fought back valiantly — thanks to goals from Brayden Schenn (twice!) and Robby Fabbri — and almost turned the comeback into a full cinematic arc. But Harley had other plans. Harley would go on to say this about his game-winning goal. “The universe owed me one after that third goal against. So it gave it back, thank goodness.” Yeah, it sure did. Thanks, ref.
Blues: Playing Hockey or Reenacting “Groundhog Day”?
The Blues have now gone five games without a win (0–4–1). That’s not a slump — that’s a full midsummer Broadway production of despair.
If they lose one more, they might start serving popcorn in the penalty box and charging admission. It is of note that both Jordan Kyrou and Jake Neighbours did not finish the game. Head coach Jim Montgomery has stated that both players are day-to-day and shouldn’t miss much time.
Who the Stars Might Want to Trade For (In a Perfect, Fantasy, Could-Happen, Maybe, Probably Not World)
Now let’s talk roster tinkering — because nothing says “We want a Stanley Cup” like 37 tabloid rumors and some Reddit wishlists.
Here are some players being linked to Dallas as potential trade targets (rumor mill calibrated to maximum spice):
Realistic(ish) Targets
- Evander Kane — If you like grit, goals, and someone who might follow a Dallas housing company just to mess with your emotions, Kane’s name keeps popping up. I get it, it’s not a popular choice by any means, but the Stars have continued to lack grit, and as much as we would all love to see Jamie Benn transport back to the 2010’s and start throwing hands on a nightly basis, it’s not going to happen.
- Kiefer Sherwood — Analysts have floated this name as a possible replacement for Tyler Seguin’s ice time — “Sherwood’s Ice Adventure: The Seguin Saga.” While Stars fans continue to wait to get a certain update on Seguin’s future this season, Nill is not one to shy away from bringing in a player who was previously traded in the same season. Hi Mikko, love having you here.
Wish-List / Rumor Board Picks
- Nazem Kadri — Because nothing says “competitive edge” like a Stanley Cup champ who can score and also make you say, “Did he just do that?” (Again, the GRIT. Give me the GRIT.)
- Blake Coleman — Hometown guy who I have been high on the Stars making a move for for months now. A proven winner with multiple Cups that would likely only elevate the room.
- Artemi Panarin — Dream-level fantasy. Also, hot take level controversy — one Reddit commenter explicitly said no Panarin, and that’s equally valid. Gotta love Reddit, right?
Ultimate “Make the NHL Great Again” Picks
- Charlie McAvoy or Adam Fox — Fans on Reddit are very into this idea. They’d trade Thomas Harley plus picks for these guys faster than you can type “trade chip”.
- Connor McDavid — Because why not ask for the moon if you’re already daydreaming during a Stars game?
(Yes, these are mostly fan-forged daydreams. Also, yes, the Stars do need a blue-liner and some big offensive help. Rumors exist because hope exists.)
The Morning Skate 