The Stars take their first loss of the season in a game they could have closed out. Mike Heika considers the facts.
The good news: The Dallas Stars can count on goaltending to help keep them in the game. The bad news: Their power play might take them out.
Jake Oettinger’s eight-year, $66 million re-signing yesterday morning was easily the biggest Stars news of the week, even taking the edge off last night’s 3-2 loss – the first of the season – to the Washington Capitals. Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika considered that split screen in a new article:
“I think we all know the importance of solid goaltending, and he’s given us that,” [head coach Pete] zwDeBoer said. “There’s just a sense of calm, and the other thing you get from him is leadership. He’s not one of those goalies who does his own thing and shows up to play. He’s a big part of our group. He’s got great leadership qualities and every year he’s growing and adding [to them].”
The Stars also appear to have found a quality backup goalie in Casey DeSmith, who is under contract for the next three seasons. DeSmith logged a 25-save shutout in his first game with the Stars and then stopped 24 shots on Thursday.
“You’re not going to go 82-0, but Casey played well and gave us a chance to win in the third period down one on the road,” Stars forward Jason Robertson said of Dallas falling to 4-1-0. “It was definitely there to take, so we’ve got to wipe it off. It’s a good reminder.”
Meanwhile, the Victory Green Gang blew it on the man advantage four (4) times last night, including twice in the third period. That…just won’t stand:
The Stars power play went 0-for-4 and is now 1-for-17 on the season. DeBoer said Dallas really could have used a goal when it had the man advantage twice in the third period.
“We’re five games in now,” DeBoer said. “We had some guys miss some extended periods in training camp. That’s an excuse for a couple of games for your power play not clicking, but it’s time to execute.”
There’s more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]
Stars Stuff
So what else happened? David Castillo joined Spits and Suds to talk about it.
Meanwhile, the next day…the good guys meet their old nemesis tomorrow night in Big D. Here’s what you can do to get ready.
#Death Notes
What went on in the #MDK Division while the Stars were in D.C.?
- The St. Louis Blues won a goalie duel in overtime with a 1-0 shutout of the New York Islanders, and just imagine what it might have been like to watch that live. [Lighthouse Hockey]
- The Nashville Predators are still looking for their first win. Last night’s 4-2 disappointment came against the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid’s first goal of the season. [On The Forecheck]
- And the Chicago Blackhawks became the latest team to take advantage of the San Jose Sharks’ sputtering start, winning 4-2 in their home opener. [Second City Hockey]
Around The Leagues
Which teams are reaping the biggest rewards from their offseason moves? Pete Jensen examines the #fancystats on small-S signings that are paying off big.
Sixty-four lines about 32 lineups: Justin Bourne forecasts how every NHL team will perform this season, in two sentences.
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park, And Beautiful Boise
The Idaho Steelheads begin their season tonight. And you can watch! (No, really!)
The Texas Stars are back with floor hockey again, and they respectfully request that you tell a friend.
Finally
That’s it. That’s the tweet. Enjoy your weekend.