A win is a win. So is room for improvement. Lia Assimakopoulos shares three takeaways from the Stars’ opening-night victory.
The Dallas Stars won their season opener against the Nashville Predators. That’s great. They gave their fans and followers a few heart attacks along the way. That’s…not unheard of. Which thing will they do more often? That may be the question.
The Dallas Morning News‘ Lia Assimakopoulos identified three major themes from the Stars’ opening night. First up – the guys who needed to deliver actually did it:
Mason Marchment, who had the best season of his career last year with 53 points, showed against Nashville that he’s prepared to build on that year. He scored a game-high two goals, both of which came in the second period….
[Logan] Stankoven was another player to start the season hot. He assisted on the Stars’ first three goals of the year after shifting up to the top line with Wyatt Johnston centering the third line amid Mavrik Bourque’s absence.
Next up – Jake Oettinger showed every sign of a return to his best form:
Last offseason, Oettinger had ankle surgery and began the year without the chance to fully train in the summer. This year, he said he expects having an offseason on the ice to benefit him, and it showed Thursday night….
The Stars’ goalie was challenged early and often, as he likes, which allowed him to build confidence with a few big saves in the first period.
There’s more at the DMN, including Lia’s take on the Stars’ rusty special teams and filling the space left by Joe Pavelski’s retirement. [SportsDayDFW]
Stars Stuff
Here’s a continuing trend you may really like: The Stars are good at getting the puck up the ice.
And here’s Big Bobby T, focusing on the real issues, as always.
Meanwhile, let’s not forget an important milestone from last night.
Street tacos, ancho-rubbed tri-tip, and dulce de leche churros: The Stars and Mavericks believe great teams deserve great concessions. Heads up for all those headed to American Airlines Center.
In On The #Kill Taker
You mean there were other Central Division teams playing last night? Go on.
- Utah Hockey Club may be on a roll right now – they won on the road and in overtime, defeating the New York Islanders 5-4. [Deseret News]
- Matt Boldy earned a goal and two assists as the Minnesota Wild won their own season opener 3-2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. [Minnesota Star Tribune]
- And the St. Louis Blues put a bit of a damper on Macklin Celebrini’s debut with a 5-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks in OT. [NHL]
Around The Leagues
The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes had to postpone their season opener due to weather. It might have been funny, once.
Here’s the power ranking you didn’t know you needed: Ryan Dixon has identified the oldest member of every NHL team.
Did you notice? The Stars shared a small but heartfelt tribute to the Gaudreau brothers on their helmets last night.
Finally
You’d better believe. Enjoy.