The Stars are undefeated. What will we stress over now? Adam Proteau takes stock of the team’s hot start.
The Dallas Stars have started the season with a big bang. Their 2024-25 campaign hasn’t been perfect, but it’s gotten perfect results. Have they simply gotten lucky? Or is this part of the process – and is that process just working, despite everything?
Veteran hockey writer Adam Proteau, who’s now site editor for the Dallas Stars section at The Hockey News, has kept an eye on how coaching decisions have set the team up to keep winning:
…[I]f you take a closer look at Dallas’ statistics, you’ll see a trend that coach Pete DeBoer has set out with dating back to last season.
That trend is taking it easy on the minutes he gives to Stars forwards. Thus far this season — and this past season — DeBoer has handed out limited minutes to the grand majority of his players up front.
With the sole exceptions of Wyatt Johnston (19:13) and Jason Robertson (17:18), no Stars forward has been on the ice for more than 16:36 minutes per game this season. It could be the ideal formula for the long grind of a regular season plus an extended Stanley Cup run:
Without a doubt, the Stars’ all-around depth and balance affords DeBoer the luxury of doling out his minutes as equally as possible. Injuries and sub-par play may change how DeBoer distributes his minutes as the season unfolds, but when Dallas is at full-strength, they can lessen the burden on their front end and show their players and opponents they’re not a one-line team or a one-trick pony.
There’s more at Proteau’s stomping grounds. [The Hockey News]
Stars Stuff
Mark always puts these in his previews, but it never hurts to repeat the who-what-when-where-why-and-how info.
Before you ask, here’s why the bench boss is joining the team late.
Well, there’s this to think about today.
There’s always that one person who’s ready to bring you down from your sports high, and Friend of DBD Juraj Kralik is comfortable in that role.
#Murder Was The Case
Wednesday was a pretty quiet night for the NHL in general, but there was still some Dirty Central action:
- The Colorado Avalanche literally cannot win for losing right now – they remain sans victoire in October so far, losing their latest to the Boston Bruins 5-3. [The Denver Post]
- And Utah Hockey Club took an L, but still moved to second place in the division as the Anaheim Ducks won their home opener in overtime, 5-4. [Deseret News]
Around The Leagues
At any rate, it was a very big night for Sidney Crosby, as he joined one of the league’s truly elite clubs.
History maker and boundary breaker Willie O’Ree celebrated his 89th birthday on Tuesday. The San Diego Gulls took the opportunity to throw him a surprise party. [NHL]
And his fellow Bruins sent him their best wishes in a video card.
Would you watch an entire regulation hockey game played as if it’s NHL overtime? The IIHF is betting you will – and that the Winter Olympics will want in on it.
Greetings From Beautiful Boise
The Idaho Steelheads open their season tomorrow night, and you’ll spot some familiar names on the ice.
Finally
Casey DeSmith plays the role of Sir Not Appearing In This Film, so maybe it’s foreshadowing. At any rate, it’s pretty amusing. Enjoy.