Early November struggles appear to be a thing of the past as the Stars picked up their 3rd straight win on Saturday, now having won 4 of their last 5.
The Stars picked up a huge win in St. Paul on Saturday against the Wild. It was a needed win against a team that is proving to be true competition for the Stars in the upper half of the Central Division standings. The game particularly held special importance to Jake Oettinger, a Minnesota native and Matt Dumba, who spent the first 10 seasons of his NHL career there. Both had memorable nights, as Oettinger continued his streak of dominance against the Wild, while Dumba dropped the gloves early against Wild defenseman, Zach Bogosian. Winning the physical game played a large part in Saturday’s victory.
Dallas Stars Senior Staff Writer, Mike Heika, provides a good synopsis on the importance of the Stars increasing their physicality against the Wild:
The Stars have beaten Minnesota on a regular basis in the regular season and also in a big playoff series two years ago. In many of the battles, the Wild had the edge in physicality and the lads in Victory Green had to outsmart that philosophy or find a way to win with a scorching power play.
On Saturday, it felt a little different. Both Dumba and defenseman Brendan Smith fought in the first period and brought some significant respect and energy to the bench. The sign was clear that the Stars weren’t going to be pushed around.
“I thought Dumba and Smitty were great with the physicality part,” DeBoer said. “We haven’t been able to come in here and do any of that the last few years. I thought both of those guys stood up and did a good job.”
Aside from increasing the physicality, getting extra help from role players, such as Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, only helped the team’s chances more by notching two assists on Saturday. When reflecting on his performance during a post-game interview, he responded:
“That’s our job,” Lyubushkin said. “We have to play fast. Stop the puck and give it to forwards. I just did my job, it’s nothing crazy.”
“…we have to listen to our coach and do what we have to do.”
Coming off a strong victory against the Wild, the Stars will look to continue that momentum against the Anaheim Ducks this evening.
You can read the rest of Heika’s article here.
Stars Stuff
Otters have to eat, too:
Arguably our team’s Mush Most Valuable Player so far this season:
Beast Mode: ACTIVATED.
Around The Central
- The storm surge was too much for the St. Louis Blues last night against the Carolina Hurricanes, falling 4-1 [NHL].
- The Nashville Predators snap a 3-game skid, picking up a big win in Vancouver last night against the Canucks, 5-3 [NHL].
- On the docket tonight, the Colorado Avalanche take on the Flyers in Philly while the Utah Hockey Club host a very hot Washington Capitals squad [NHL].
You’re our division rival, but I’ll give credit where credit is due. Congrats, Josi:
The World of Chel
Fall asleep on the couch last night? Don’t worry, I did too. This is what we missed:
Finally
“Preach!”