First off the Stars are playing better hockey and they seem to be jelling with the lines the way they are. The first shift of the game when Jamie Benn single handedly went through 4 Canucks players and scored was fantastic. That play was something I don't think many of us have seen from him in about a year. Jamie looked like one of the best players on the ice last night and I was very happy to see it. Morrow also looked great again going to the net and simply grinding his way to another goal. I am happy to see the jump that was missing at the beginning of the year. Garbutt and Roussel continue to impress me, they add energy and grit every shitft they are on the ice. I truly think that they will be players for this team for a long time.

On a different note, our defense scares me to death. Robidas and Dillon played another formidable game last night, but everyone else seemed to be lost at points. From Aaron Rome looking completely flat footed and slow to Goligoski getting lost in the offensive zone. It seems like the number 2 and 3 defensive lines give up strong scoring chances every game. I know Trevor Daley has had his ups and downs but this unit misses his presence. This team badly needs his ability to move the puck up the ice, especially while Goose figures out how to play hockey again. He has gotten better but still, improvement is needed. On a brighter note I believe Jordie Benn played one of his better games of the year last night. He was more physical and seemed more comfortable on the ice. Plus, with three hits, an assist, and a plus one rating he was statistically one of our best defenseman. One thing I did see is when Loui Eriksson got blatantly kneed, he turned away from responding to Bieksa. That was truly dissapointing, if a top winger on any other team gets kneed like that someone will rip the opposing players head off. That was dissapointing and the refs blew a call that was an obvious major. I believe the Stars need to get Oleksiak back from the AHL and get him some playing time. This defensive unit needs more grit and size on the back end. The Stars have defensive talent coming and I personally hope we get a chance to see Patrick Nemeth.

The Stars are an improving hockey team and they are getting better with each game. Experience is key and the more playing time that some of the young guys get the better off this team will be in the future. I hope Matt Fraser gets into the game on Saturday and has some decent ice time. I am very interested to see if his game will translate from the AHL to the NHL. I am learning to be patient with this hockey team. I am not happy about it, but I understand the plan of action that is being taken. I cannot wait to see more improvement and getting Kari back as soon as humanly possible will be wonderful. Here's to the future.