Alright so there have been eight games since the last update. Of the eight, the Stars have won two of those games, oddly enough both against some of the better teams in the NHL yet we continue to lose just about everything else. Somehow we pulled off a shoot-out win over the Washington Capitals and later trounced the Sharks by six points, yet continue to struggle with finding consistent net-minding, with the team giving up 26 goals in the six games Marty Turco has started since the Olympic break. It seems like Kari Lehtonen is getting his first consistent action in over a year; he gave up six goals to the Penguins in his first game, but in the two games he's started since then he held the Sharks to only two and the Flyers to three. Not too bad for a guy coming off an injury. He didn't look too bad against Philadelphia, but he was on record as saying he felt tired as a result of the Sharks game. He will regain his stamina in the off season and prove to be a new weapon next year. Offensively, Segal and Ribiero are looking good (even Ott looked good tonight). As for the word on the street, I've heard many fans still not satisfied with Coach Crawford. I admit I'm pretty critical of him myself, but at the same time this guy has 500 wins. He does know what he's doing, contrary to how this season has gone. If after next season we aren't seeing results, the angst fans feel will be justified. On another note from the people I've heard (just to explain my "source" for these comments, it's what I read on the Stars facebook group) but there are quite a few people unhappy with the play of Matt Niskanen. I love the guy (UMD baby) but he doesn't seem to be very defensively sound, which is what this team needs. Sure it's nice to get some points out of him, but he makes way too many errors in front of our net. Look for the Stars to find a good blue-liner in the off season (which will happen if the team gets sold, but if Hicks-zilla sticks around I wouldn't expect much).
Time for a feel good story. Apparently, some teams were interested in trading for Mike Modano prior to the deadline, but he didn't waive the no-trade clause in his contract since he wishes to remain a Star. Being a Green Bay fan, it's refreshing to hear about a player that's loyal to his franchise. To be honest though, I would like to know which teams were interested and what type of value we could have received. I pray for a speedy recovery from your appendectomy Mr. Modano.
As of submission, the Stars sit seven points out of the final playoff spot. That wouldn't be too horrible except for the fact that there three teams ahead of us (Minnesota, St. Louis, Calgary). With 12 games left it isn't impossible, but it is highly unlikely. I'm ready to announce that the Stars will not be playing after April 10; that being said, they will continue to play hard and act as a spoiler to the other teams.
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I don't understand how we can beat the best teams in each conference and lose every other game. I like Niskanen too but we definitely need to upgrade our defense. We have the offense to keep up with the best but our defense needs work. This whole season Turco has only played one week well and it was so he wouldn't get dropped. He needs to show that skill and enthusiasm every time he plays cause right now the guy who's came off two back surgeries and has only played three full games in over a years time is the better goalie.
ReplyDeleteI had also heard those Modano trade rumors and I am glad he stayed. I think he will retire as a star. It's rumored he may even but a stake into the team when it is sold. I do hope by some miracle we do make the playoffs. If not hopefully we will upgrade our defense and have a very successful time next year.
-John Swindle