Dallas Drops Another Loss In Nashville 4-2

by Art Middleton on Mar 26, 2011 9:30 PM CDT in Dallas Stars Game Recaps

The Dallas Stars drop a 4-2 loss in Nashville to the Predators to start their critical road trip and with that the road to any kind of playoff spot gets much tougher for Dallas. It's still not impossible for them, but it's going to take something special to earn their way in now. Maybe much like the repeated third period comebacks - and boy they could have used one tonight - this Stars team is just the team to pull it off.

I guess we'll soon find out.

Tonight though they didn't have it in them and maybe more alarmingly, for long stretches of the game it didn't look like the Stars had the same level of desire to win this game as the Predators did. They gave up more shots against than they took, they took more hits than they dished out, they were out worked in the corners for pucks, the Preds fought to keep pucks in their offensive zone more.

The Stars did get out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to an Alex Goligoski power play goal in the first period but then gave up a tying goal six minutes later on what seemed to be an innocent play behind the Stars net that ended up in it due to some hard crashing from David Legwand.

It wasn't that Legwand did anything spectacular or that the Stars defense was particularly bad on the play. Nashville did a better job of rushing the net and moving the puck around in the Stars zone. They did it again in the second when Mike Fisher scored his first of two goals on the night. Brenden Morrow answered with a bit of a fluke goal that floated over Preds goalie Pekka Rinne but it was the last gasp of hope on the night as Fisher's second and eventual game winning goal came again from rushing the net and taking advantage of a very bad rebound from Kari Lehtonen.

Of course, unlike so many of their opponents, the Stars did have a golden opportunity to tie the game at the end with a power play for the final two minutes and a pulled goalie, but all that ended up resulting in was a David Legwand's second goal of the night into an empty net.

"Le Sigh"

(A few more thoughts and three stars - none of them actual Stars - after the jump)

So the post game question I posed was: When do you think Andrew Raycroft will see action? I ask this because to me it looks like Kari is being slowly burned out. Far too many times he was caught slumping forward and making himself smaller in the net when what he really should be doing is squaring to the shooter more and trying to use his rather large frame to cover as much net as possible. That rebound he gave up for the eventual GWG was horrific and I gotta think a more alert and "fresher" Kari just doesn't carelessly kick a rebound that far out and into the middle of the ice like he did.

Of course at this point every game is now critical so can we really trust Raycroft to come in and save the day? If not, then can we really expect to ride Kari from here on out until the Stars are officially eliminated from the playoff race?

Other points:

Goligoski now has a three game goal scoring streak. Other Stars getting points on the night: Mike Ribeiro had two assists. Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson had single assists.
Faceoffs continue to be an issue for this club. I can't remember the last time the Stars were actually the better team overall in the faceoff dot, but it's been a long while.
For once I don't think we can say the Stars didn't get any breaks because in the game they got plenty and outside of the Morrow floater that should have been blown dead 15 seconds earlier when Jamie Benn tripped up Shea Weber, they didn't at all.
I'd like to give credit to the power play for at least picking up a goal, but that last two minute sequence where they couldn't cash in ruined it for me. The penalty kill didn't really have to work hard to kill it's one penalty against, so I guess that's something right?
I refuse to go over a list of players who I felt needed to play better or harder or whatever the case may be because I'd like to think that all of them came into tonight's game wanting to do anything it took to win, but the truth is there were players on the Dallas side that need to do more, are expected to be the leaders of this team and were virtually invisible for most if not all of the game.

Bottom line: Again we go another night where we have to remind ourselves that this playoff race isn't over and that the Stars still have a solid shot at this thing. I think with Nashville now at 92 it's safe to say we're now down to a three team race - Dallas, Anaheim and Chicago - fighting for two playoff spots.

It's not over yet... Keep telling yourself that.

Hopefully the Stars themselves are reminding each other of the same thing as they head to Phoenix.

Defending Big D Three Stars

1 - Mike Fisher (NSH)
2 - David Legwand (NSH)

3 - Patric Hornqvist (NSH)

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Comments

Well...that sucked

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 9:32 PM CDT reply actions

Pardon my pessimism but...

They are done.

by selke99 on Mar 26, 2011 9:32 PM CDT reply actions

I truly can't believe how far this team has fallen

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

I can..

We overachieved and won when teams took us for granted, and when these teams stopped doing that, we were exposed.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't buy that

Teams don’t take any games for granted. There is too much parity in this league. It’s not the NBA. And if that was the reason for them winning early on, I think teams would have caught on before February.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

So is it safe to say yet that the Stars are definitely not going to the playoffs?

With the type of game they have been playing lately, it’s really hard to see them going there. A great start to the season completely destroyed.

@G_Rees

by GRees on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Yep.

I’d say we’re done.

by cms1171 on Mar 26, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Gonna need a lot of points on the rest of the trip, and then win the last 4 against Min, Col, & Cbj

by chris1989 on Mar 26, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

wow.. just wow… PP for the rest of the period.

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Bring out your dead....

….for the autopsy!! Season Over!!!

And please…spare me your “true fan” bit.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, the nausea before the game seems to be justified.

Crap.

by WingnutInStarsCountry on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Yep....I had a bad feeling about this game beforehand,

and was desperately hoping the Stars would prove me wrong.

TracyJean1972: YouTube channel
@TracyJean: Twitter account

by TracyJean on Mar 26, 2011 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I had the same feeling, all day I was trying not to think about the game, to see if that would help, but it obviously didn't

by chris1989 on Mar 26, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I think that the worst thing about the ways things are now

Is how well we started the season and got our hopes up. Before the season started we would have taken where we are now. At the moment, not so much. To waste such a good position will be a bitter disappointment if we don’t make it.

Proud supporter of Birmingham City, Carling Cup Winners 2011

by Matthew Oakley on Mar 26, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

i am lost for words. these last few games are painful

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:34 PM CDT reply actions

Well I'm gonna treat the rest of the season like we're out...

Because I can’t keep getting my heart broken like this. If they make it it’ll be gravy.

by coolcolin09 on Mar 26, 2011 9:34 PM CDT reply actions

I assume we'll see Raycroft next November, playing for Florida or something.

I wouldn’t say they’re dead, since the Ducks are right there; but they’re probably not going to make it, and even if they do, it’ll be a quick but painful death to the Canucks.

by Giant Space Ants on Mar 26, 2011 9:35 PM CDT reply actions

stars can go 5-2-1 over the past 8 and get in i think...

by starshorns on Mar 26, 2011 9:36 PM CDT reply actions

especially if we can win at anaheim in regulation

by starshorns on Mar 26, 2011 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions

why do we keep doing this to ourselves!

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions

That will be another 'biggest game of the season'

and we’ve seen how they do in those…

by Breg on Mar 26, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions

i dont even know who to blame tonight….

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Mike Fisher...

and Dallas’s inability to clear the zone.

by coolcolin09 on Mar 26, 2011 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Woywitka

usually a safe bet

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Offer Woywitka...

….3 years, $7M, with a NTC/NMC.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm afraid it's gonna take more than that.

I pray we get this ownership situation resolved so we can lock him up long-term.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions

We could offer Daley...

…a six year deal worth $18M or $18M+, despite our cash problem. Why not Woywitka and Lukowich?

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Lukowich and fistric were actually the only stars players with a + tonight

by can we get hatcher back on Mar 26, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah I guess we can throw that money at him

I just hope he’s willing to take that kind of a hometown discount, because we all know he could become the highest paid player in the league if he went to free agency.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Exactly...

…don’t let a good bargain escape.

Oh yes…Bye Bye Richards. Enjoy the Big Apple.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Richards isn't a guy you can build a franchise around.

Woywitka is though.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Ok...

I think this is sarcastic.

I hope it is.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 26, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Players like Richards are a dime a dozen

Woywitkas only come around once in a lifetime.

Orr, Lidstrom, Woywitka.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey guys...

… do you think we might be able to lock up Matt Niskanen once his contract expires?

’cuz that trade just cut straight into my heart.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions

With any luck, we could have those two anchoring our defensive unit for years to come

I’ve missed Niskanen since he left. I wish we would have never gotten rid of him. We could use his poise back there on D right now. I hate to say it, but I think our recent struggles are a direct result of not having Niskanen out there. Burish would be good to have back, but he isn’t near the leader that Niskanen was. I just hope he’d be willing to return after we traded him like that.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Niskanen is in the playoffs. Time to let the bashing go. Find another player to blame the team failure for.

by pond hockey on Mar 27, 2011 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Nobody's "blaming" the team failure on Niskanen.

Especially since it’s kind of hard to pin blame on somebody who only played in about half of the season’s games.

The fact is that it’s easy to pick on him, given his performance. If Aaron Downey was still on the team he’d probably get the same sort of ‘attention’.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 27, 2011 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions

He seems to be doing a solid job at Pitsburgh. The mishandling of his development by the Stars was astounding. Always with the same line-that nobody’s blaming the team failure on him but it certainly came up in every thread. Dallas isn’t a hockey town, never has been. Only when you bring in rentals does the team produce. Enjoy the summer because it’s going to be a long one.

by pond hockey on Mar 27, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Are you a Pittsburgh fan that just decided to make an account so you could wrongly accuse us of blaming Niskanen for our struggles and bash Dallas? That’s funny.

If you are a Pittsburgh fan, you of course know what a real hockey town is like….when the penguins are winning, that is.

by imacdane on Mar 27, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions

I didn’t know Modano, Hatcher, Nieuwendyk, Langenbrunner, Zubov, Matvichuk, Sydor, and Belfour were all rentals, but if some two-comment anonymous poster said it, I guess it must be true.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 27, 2011 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

"Dallas isn’t a hockey town, never has been."

And Shittsburgh is a hockey town that needs to be blackmailed into keeping its hockey team. Wonderful.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 27, 2011 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I actually like Pittsburgh.

It isn’t their fault if someone comes along and starts ragging on Dallas for alleged poor performance (though frankly, Niskanen’s stats don’t really impress me ~~- anyone can score a goal every now and then, even Craig Ludwig did it once ;~~), and his penalty minutes, assists, and hits seem to be scaled to his performance in Dallas).

It does remind me of one time on the old Dallas Morning News Stars blog, though, when Coyotes and LA Kings fans came along to troll the place, and talk about how the Stars were going downhill, and they were doing so great.

I listed off all the stats from Minnesota, Winnipeg, and LA, to show that either the North Stars or the Dallas Stars had enjoyed more success than any of them, and that until they win something, they needed to hush.

We didn’t hear anything from Coyote or Kings fans after that.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 27, 2011 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions

HaHaHaHaHa. Not aPitsburgh Fan, just someone who has been involved in hockey at all levels for a long time. Give me your stats, I can play that game. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving, I love to talk hockey.

by pond hockey on Mar 27, 2011 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

All righty.

Those stats for Minnesota and LA were old hat, but since we can’t get rid of you ;-), we might as well be friends.

If you don’t mind, give me your opinion as to what the top 5 goalies in the past 20 years are — and your justification as to why.

If you really do love statistics, I think this will be revealing; goaltending is one of the positions least understood by laymen.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 27, 2011 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Here's my go at the problem.

1. Dominik Hasek
2. Patrick Roy
3. Roberto Luongo
4. Ed Belfour
5. Martin Brodeur

If you don’t know why Hasek and Roy are at the top, you don’t know stats. Hasek is one of the most dominant goalies to ever play in the National Hockey League, with an otherworldly career save percentage. He was consistently considerably ahead of all of his peers, while playing for weaker Buffalo teams. Roy always played for strong teams, but his strong playoff performances and superior save percentage over his closest peers gives him the second-place spot. Roberto Luongo was known as one of the best up-and-coming goalies in the league, and he has racked up a great body of work with a .919 save percentage. While he’s never won the Cup so far, it seems that this could be his year. Belfour is something of a personal bias choice on my part, but he played for worse teams than Martin Brodeur, over the course of his career, and yet, when they played in the playoffs, Belfour racked up greater save percentages than Brodeur managed. Finally, while Martin Brodeur benefitted from a consistently powerful Devils team, his save percentage and stats, especially in recent years, are strong enough to propel him to the top 5.

I’m not going to say this is a conclusive list, or that it’s perfect, but it does have some statistical grounding.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 27, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I know...

…that’s why I bid him goodbye (no sarcasm intended).

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Hold on.

You want to lock up Woywitka? WHY?

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Because...

…he’s awesome!

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

looks like ducks and hawks are going to go to a 3 point game as well… PERFECT

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:36 PM CDT reply actions

It's just plain ridiculous...

How most of the fringe teams above us have had so many 3 point games.

by selke99 on Mar 26, 2011 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd say Dallas has been looking alot like a 'fringe team' recently

by Breg on Mar 26, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

This went from mildly difficult to very difficult

Not nearly impossible. You have to think Anahiema and Nashville will slow down, and IF they can compete and win versus the division they are in. STOP CRYING, JESUS. TAKE A BREATH.

What...just...happened?

by RealDealNeal on Mar 26, 2011 9:38 PM CDT reply actions

indeed, go stars!!

by starshorns on Mar 26, 2011 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

You guys that say "season's over" can go ahead and give up...

I’ll still sit here and watch until they’re truly eliminated from the playoffs and even after that. They may be eliminated in your minds, but I choose to march on. Sure, the future looks bleak, but I choose to focus on the fact that they’re still in the race. If I have to go it alone, I will. I refuse to die on my favorite franchise in sports, no matter how slim the chances. Giving up is a bitch move.

"GET YOUR ASS HUNG UP ON NOW YOU IDIOT!"

by bigtill2002 on Mar 26, 2011 9:41 PM CDT reply actions

I'm not giving up

But I also can’t deny what I see.

The try and effort are there every night.

The poise and clutch goal scoring are not.

That’s not a good combination to have with 8 games left.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Mar 26, 2011 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions

im with you...

i honestly think that we can go 5-2-1 in the last 8 games and get in…all we can do is hope they win the next one

by starshorns on Mar 26, 2011 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Gratuitous "Shawshank Redemption" quote...

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good think ever dies”

"GET YOUR ASS HUNG UP ON NOW YOU IDIOT!"

by bigtill2002 on Mar 26, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions

"They may be eliminated in your minds, but I choose to march on"

Riiiiiight….because “Season Over” = “I’m no longer affiliating myself with the Stars and finding another bandwagon to jump onto for the rest of my life as a hockey fan.”

So very astute of you.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions

What the hell does burish do thats so important

Were what 2-11-3 now without burish?

by can we get hatcher back on Mar 26, 2011 9:42 PM CDT reply actions

I'm saying this only from the handful of games I've seen this year

But Burish plays with his heart on his sleeve. He sacrifices his body more than anyone on the team so that the team can get momentum going. If no one else steps up to do that, the team doesn’t get the momentum swings it needs during the game (ESPECIALLY playing the way they are now). Benner filled that void for a good while, but you can’t expect him to keep getting double shifted and remain as effective as he’s shown he can be.

That’s just my take anyway.

by LilEagle on Mar 26, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions

"If no one else steps up to do that"

…then none of them deserve to make the playoffs. As simple as that.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions

People wanting the Stars to make the playoffs has nothing to do with how good they are.

It has everything to do with their potential, and with the logo they used to wear on the front of their jersey.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Huh?

…it has everything to do with how good they are. I don’t think a squad that plays this poorly and squanders opportunities deserves to make the playoffs.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sure you got the point...

All of the other people here (as far as I know) want the Stars to make the playoffs, and would do so regardless of how well they played.

I agree that the way they’re playing, they certainly don’t deserve it, but what I’m saying is that most people don’t care if they deserve it or not — they care about the Stars getting out of the regular season.

If this team was to win the next 9 (or 10) games straight, but solely because of bad officiating, I don’t think you’d hear too many people here complaining.

If you want to get an insight into what being that kind of a fan is like, go over to Pension Plan Puppets or Bird Watchers Anonymous and start up a conversation there; I’m sure you’ll find someone who fits the bill.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

And yes, I know this is obvious.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Okay...

…I get it now. That said, what’s the deal with the PPP or BWA? I didn’t quite get as to what kind of fans they are? Fans who complain about officiating? Fans who think that their teams deserve a playoff spot, no matter what? Or both?

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Leafs and Thrashers fans.

Just consider the teams they support and I imagine you’ll understand.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Are you alluding to...

…their lack of playoff hockey in recent memory? Aside, of course, from Atlanta’s appearance in 2007 when they were swept by the Rangers.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Mar 26, 2011 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Of course.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Might as well throw the Panthers into this mix

Afterall, they just clinched their 10th consecutive playoff-less season.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Mar 26, 2011 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

we haven’t quite gotten where the Leafs and Thrashers fans currently are….:). It certainly isn’t too far away should the status quo continue, I’d say.

by Dallas_Stars74 on Mar 26, 2011 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions

not over yet...

but shit are they close to being done.

@rossssss
http://www.last.fm/user/ROSSSSSS

by Ross Phillips on Mar 26, 2011 9:45 PM CDT reply actions

Philly got in on the last day of the season last year

And we have better goaltending than they did. Here’s hoping Burish, Gross and Karlis get back soon.

by LilEagle on Mar 26, 2011 9:46 PM CDT reply actions

It's far from over.

they just seem to have lost their mojo recently.

@rossssss
http://www.last.fm/user/ROSSSSSS

by Ross Phillips on Mar 26, 2011 9:49 PM CDT reply actions

Lost their mojo?

An understatement if I ever heard one.

by Breg on Mar 26, 2011 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Like the saying goes this year

“Winning a championship isn’t easy. Unless you’re Kansas basketball.”

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 9:52 PM CDT reply actions

UPDATE!!! DUCKS JUST SCORED 2- 1 5 mins left

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:53 PM CDT reply actions

oh come on...

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Great perry is now 1 goal above stammer and ducks are up 2-1

by can we get hatcher back on Mar 26, 2011 9:54 PM CDT reply actions

Look for the Hawks to tie it late

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 9:55 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I can sense that Patrick Sharp has one in...

…oh…wait.

Nevermind.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

oh just another rant while we are all at it…. WHY CANT RIBERIO SHOOT! FO FRICK SAKE!!

by rattlestar on Mar 26, 2011 9:55 PM CDT reply actions

Ribero had 3 shots on goal, 2 assists, played almost 23 min

and looked to be the best player on the ice most of the game and his effort level was through the roof. I think you need to look elsewhere for somebody to rant about.

by 1paniolo on Mar 26, 2011 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/Greenville/AnaheimvsChicago.png

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT reply actions

Crap

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 9:56 PM CDT reply actions

So how much does that hurt our playoff odds?

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Not nearly as much as us losing did.

But it does hurt.

by cms1171 on Mar 26, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

3.3% down

by can we get hatcher back on Mar 26, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

We're down to roughly a a 43% chance of making the playoffs

Thanks to our shitty ass performance and other game results.

by cms1171 on Mar 26, 2011 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow that game ended in regulation

Still, it would have been better had the Ducks lost.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:03 PM CDT reply actions

Halfway through the third

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

heh..

Nice touch…

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
GameTimeArt.net: A personal blog not on SBN that's just free and easy.
@GameTimeArt: Offending and/or boring sports fans one tweet at a time!

#KeepRichardsInDallas

by Art Middleton on Mar 26, 2011 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Austin is lovely in April...

if you’re looking for some playoff hockey… Texas Stars beat Grand Rapids 5-1 to set winning streak at four games…

Blogging about the Texas Stars at 100DegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on Mar 26, 2011 10:15 PM CDT reply actions

Not to be too negative, but I mean...

yea….

Blogging about the Texas Stars at 100DegreeHockey.com

by scm83x on Mar 26, 2011 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll DEFINITELY be headed to Austin for some playoff games.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 26, 2011 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions

I may be in the minority here...

But I don’t mind seeing Anaheim win tonight. They have a tough schedule down the break, and that’s our only hope of getting above the 8 seed. I know, I know… getting in is better than nothing… but why not hope for 7 and a chance, rather than go out 4-0 to Vancouver?

Remember, even though Phoenix is way up on points, they’ve played more games AND have San Jose twice more after getting pasted tonight. This all, of course, hinges on us playing worth a flip down the stretch, but if they can, they actually aren’t out of contention for getting above that (essentially useless) 8 seed.

by rsides17 on Mar 26, 2011 10:25 PM CDT reply actions

I want us 7th and Chicago 8th

We can beat Detroit. Chicago could possibly beat Vancouver. Then who knows.

Of course at this point I would just be happy to make the playoffs.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Chicago's to Vancouver

as how Detroit was to Dallas back in the late 90s. For some reason they always seem to have the upper hand on them. Not sure if they can do it again this year, but I wouldn’t put it past the,

Dallas Stars Examiner

by MayurP on Mar 26, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions

I wonder if

the Kopitar (Kings) broken ankle will change any factors as far as Los Angeles is concerned, or if they are too far ahead for us to catch if they slide downhill without him.

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 10:27 PM CDT reply actions

It's possible

They’d have to really fall fast, and more importantly, we’d need to start winning. There’s still 8 games left though, which is (almost) 10% of the season, so there’s still time for us to make something happen.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions

For those who don't want to make those two extra clicks :)

Here’s Dallas’ remaining schedule:

Tuesday at Phoenix
Thursday at San Jose
Saturday at Los Angeles
Sunday, April 3 at Anaheim
Tuesday, April 5 home vs Columbus
Thursday, April 7 home vs Colorado
Friday, April 8 at Colorado (home-and-home set back-to-back)
Sunday, April 10 at Minnesota
-————————————————————————————————
Not impossible if the Stars decide to get their act together.

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 10:34 PM CDT reply actions

I'll be at the home game against Colorado.

I hope to hell that game has meaning.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 26, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Full recap is up..

#KeepRichardsInDallas

by Art Middleton on Mar 26, 2011 10:35 PM CDT reply actions

I just saw the highlights (had to listen to the radio feed)

All I have to say is….wow, Woywitka is bad.

by imacdane on Mar 26, 2011 10:38 PM CDT reply actions

I don't have a reason to believe in this team anymore after seeing this game. I'm hoping they NOT going to make playoffs this season.

With a play like that they really not a playoff team anyway. What that will accomplish though, is finally getting rid of Crow. His inability to do anything with a team as talented as Dallas, is inexcusable.

by iHorses on Mar 26, 2011 10:55 PM CDT reply actions

There are 30 talented teams in the NHL every season.

I think it’s safe to say that all NHL players are great — the only thing that separates a superstar from a fringe player is the consistency with which they are such.

With a fringe player, you’ll only occasionally see a glimpse of his potential; with the superstar, you get that all the time.

It is a problem, but it’s a problem that thirteen other current non-playoff teams, and several playoff teams, have just like we do.

That said, though, some teams are clearly better at developing players than others — if we could hire away all of the Red Wings development staff, we’d be much better for it.

"I've always considered myself as good (as), or better than Patrick." - Ed Belfour

by C. Bob on Mar 26, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Exactly what makes you think Dallas is so talented?

Do you think that the Stars are incredibly smart that they have signed one of the most talented groups in the NHL on one of the leagues lowest total salaries? It’s not like we’ve had years of top draft picks that aren’t making market wages yet. We have some good forwards in the top six, thats about it. In a lot of ways I think we have over achieved our talent level this year.

by 1paniolo on Mar 26, 2011 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions

dallas offense is talented

Our defense however is Shit terrible: aka woywitka playing in tthe top 4

by can we get hatcher back on Mar 26, 2011 11:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Well, I'm done for the night. Catch ya'll Tuesday

by Steve Estep on Mar 26, 2011 10:57 PM CDT reply actions

Tuesday? We have to play again?

Oh God.

I fear for my blood pressure.

by cms1171 on Mar 26, 2011 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

:'(

i dont know what to say. if this is our end, so close yet so far. sad day

GET OFF NIEUWENDYK'S NUTS

by 8thegreat on Mar 26, 2011 11:46 PM CDT reply actions

One thing I will say for the Preds.

That is how you take advantage of a long homestead at the end of the season. They have sure taken care of business at home. Personally I had already given up on catching them, but was really hoping for some points tonight. Chicago, LA and Anaheim are all definitely still in reach though.

by 1paniolo on Mar 26, 2011 11:50 PM CDT reply actions

10th place

Fabulous.

by cms1171 on Mar 26, 2011 11:57 PM CDT reply actions

Be strong Stars!!!

You must beat out Chicago for a spot!! Don’t be discouraged, this season is not over yet.

{F!@# it guys, I got this- Pekka Rinne} -Marc Torrence-
"It felt like we were playing in Canada" -Mike Fisher

by Preds Fanatic on Mar 26, 2011 11:58 PM CDT reply actions

This team has lost it's mojo.

The fight is gone….for whatever reason.

I still believe.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 27, 2011 12:13 AM CDT reply actions

I notice the official website

has taken down the “March is the playoffs” starting page.

by cms1171 on Mar 27, 2011 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

It's still there for me.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 27, 2011 1:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, same here...

#KeepRichardsInDallas

by Art Middleton on Mar 27, 2011 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Here I am

Weighing in.

Here it goes….
.
.
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.
.
.

.
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.
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FART

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Mar 27, 2011 1:21 AM CDT reply actions

I love these guys.

I love them more than a man should love a group of other men.

But this is over, and optimism and the sunshine once again surround a new owner, and only a new owner. Sometime.

Defending Big D

by Brad Gardner on Mar 27, 2011 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Unfortunately

They played tonight like they agreed with that sentiment.

I won't bore you with a signature on every post I make... Oh wait. Damnit!

by SirBloodbath on Mar 27, 2011 3:17 AM CDT up reply actions

I've posted 1/year on my time hear at DBD

i have only posted once before here on DBD. It was at the end of last season. I posted something to the effect of ‘i believe in this team’, long term.

that has not changed.

this would probably be more appropriate as a fan post, but i’m doing it here instead. i think this team has overcome a lot. i think, this team has outperformed expectations at this point. the loss tonight is immaterial as far as that goes. this is a strong group, but realistically they are hampered by the internal cap. the sale of this team will fundamentally determine whether this team can survive long term. the loss tonight has me thinking more about the long term, and less about the short term (i.e. making the playoffs.)

am i stung tonight? hell yes! the thing that worries me most about tonight’s loss,as was suggested in this article, is that their heart really didn’t seem to be in it. i don’t expect dallas to make the playoffs at this point, but i firmly believe that they are capable of doing so. if they could perform at that level i believe they are capable of performing, they would still have strong chance at making the playoffs even given the loss tonight.

In truth though, and for this season’s chances, i will be pleasantly surprised going forward if they make it.

but i don’t doubt it’s possible.

I won't bore you with a signature on every post I make... Oh wait. Damnit!

by SirBloodbath on Mar 27, 2011 3:09 AM CDT reply actions

you’ll have to excuse me; i’m a bit drunk. :)

I won't bore you with a signature on every post I make... Oh wait. Damnit!

by SirBloodbath on Mar 27, 2011 3:10 AM CDT up reply actions

also, and i think i’m allowed to say this because of my aforementioned drunkeness, i meant to point out that Defendingbigd is my nearly sole source of Dallas Stars hockey news. If I’m going to only post once a year on this website, i might as well point out how much I love it. You guys do a fantastic job on average. Thanks!

I won't bore you with a signature on every post I make... Oh wait. Damnit!

by SirBloodbath on Mar 27, 2011 3:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for posting, and I hope you post more often.

I think you’ve hit on the major issue.

We knew going into the season this team was underwhelming when it came to talent. Sure, the forwards are good but the defense was suspect and the goaltending was unknown.

For 80% of the season, Kari Lehtonen was a beast. He’s starting to wear down now. The team is wearing down because when you think of the season as a whole, the Stars have been fighting and clawing all season long. Nothing has come easy. They were 3rd in the conference yet had a nearly negative goal differential. Everything was so close.

You could say the luck wore out. You could say that Lehtonen wore down. You could say the team as a whole just didn’t have 82 games worth of fight in them, when there’s only 14,000 at the AAC every night and when there’s no owner and when there’s no future for the team at this point.

Perhaps it was just too much.

These guys care and these guys have a ton of heart. Perhaps they tried too hard….and I think they panicked at times. Perhaps the young core of this team just isn’t ready for the pressure that comes with this time of year and perhaps players like Morrow and Ribeiro and Robidas and Richards are just worn down from carrying the team.

The Richards concussion is where this thing fell apart and he’s still not the same. Jamie Benn is great…but he can’t do it all. Not yet.

It’s frustrating to watch and it’s sad to see. I makes me sad to this happening to the team and it frustrates me because I have no answers as to what the team should do. I have no idea what they CAN do…not without an owner.

I fucking hate Tom Hicks more than ever.

Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.

by Brandon Worley on Mar 27, 2011 5:47 AM CDT up reply actions

OK, so are chances a getting smaller

But we still have an almost half decent (~40%) chance of making the playoffs, right? I can’t believe how utterly we collapsed without Burish, it’s really amazing. If we don’t get Burish back before Phoenix I think we can start planning for next year. Of course, if we do make the playoffs, relying on Burish isn’t much of a strategy.

Lesson learned: we need to have around 80 points at the all star break so that when we have the inevitable february collapse and mediocre march we won’t drop out of position.

by 182below0 on Mar 27, 2011 3:26 AM CDT reply actions

Well, we need a heroic like performance now.

In fairness we were unlikely to win in Nashville, the Ducks loss is the killer really, and the Kings debacle.

The lads really need some confidence from somewhere, and I hate to say it but Morrow is not giving them that.

I don’t think its possible to argue against Burish’s impact on this team, should he be captain, well thats a bit knee jerk, but I don’t think any harm can be done by it.

BUT, the lads have well overperformed this year. If the sale goes through, get a decent D-man who can replace Wtfka, and possibly another die by the sword winger like Burish.

Hey, they can win all their remaining games :)

by Great British Stars Fan on Mar 27, 2011 4:20 AM CDT reply actions

Baah...

Goligoski playing pretty much right now…

Hope Lehtonen is not getting fatigued, not good.

by Henri Muroke on Mar 27, 2011 5:35 AM CDT reply actions

I wont disagree on Lehtonen looking overworked.

However, to be fair to the big man, the Fisher gwg never made it to Kari for him to even spit the rebound back up. It hit Fisher in the skates allowing him to keep moving to the side for the tap in goal. Terribly bad bounce for us and nobody was covering Fisher in front of the net on his fly by.

by BrettB29 on Mar 28, 2011 11:39 AM CDT reply actions