ESPN put five Stars on its top 100 list. The Dallas Morning News staff wonders why there aren’t more.
The Dallas Stars are looking to consolidate their power as a perennial postseason force this season. At some point, the hockey media will catch up.
ESPN regulars Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski, along with their editorial staff, chose five Stars standouts to place among the 100 best players in the NHL. The staff at The Dallas Morning News have pulled out the important information, but at the same time they seem to be asking why the Victory Green Gang hasn’t gotten more respect put on it.
The best surprise is no surprise, as the ad writers once said – Miro Heiskanen tops Big D’s list at No. 22:
The Finnish defenseman was the highest-ranking Stars player. His offensive production was down a bit last season compared to his 2022-23 campaign, as he tallied 54 points in 71 games compared to his 73 points in 79 games the year prior. But his 54 points still ranked 15th among defensemen and his defense remained elite. In that amazing 2022-23 campaign, Heiskanen set a franchise record for most points by a defenseman.
Clark’s evaluation: “Heiskanen’s profile continues to ascend, with two straight seasons of more than 50 points for a Stars team that will mount as serious a Stanley Cup challenge as any in the West.”
Here’s at least one bit that seems a little too faint – Wyatt Johnston made the list, but he’s in the bottom third at No. 66:
Johnston led all Stars players with 10 goals through Dallas’ run to the Western Conference Finals last season. He scored a handful of those while just 20 years old.
Now 21 after celebrating his birthday in the middle of the Stars’ second-round series against Vegas, Johnston is gearing up for his third season in the NHL with the maturity of someone in their 13th.
Clark’s evaluation: “The Stars keep developing homegrown talent. That includes Johnston, who has been a crucial contributor as they seek a third straight conference finals appearance.”
There’s more the DMN. Check it out. [SportsDayDFW]
Stars Stuff
If you’re waiting for news on Matt Dumba, this probably explains the situation for now. Petrovic was a trusty pair of veteran hands during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, and he gets the first call-up.
Would it help to learn that Mavrik Bourque is skating today?
By the way, this is pretty special week for the Stars all the way around.
#Death Notes
There was just a little Central Division hockey happening last night:
- Utah Hockey Club took the first L in franchise history last night as Jake Allen recorded a 3-0 shutout for the New Jersey Devils. [Deseret News]
- The Colorado Avalanche’s woes keep piling up – they gave up their third regulation loss in a row to the New York Islanders, 6-2. [The Denver Post]
Around The Leagues
It’s never too early to start thinking about trade rumors. Lyle Richardson takes a look at the challenges the New York Rangers will face in re-signing two of the biggest young stars in the league.
Heads up: The PWHL has released its 2024-25 schedule.
Meanwhile, the IIHF welcomed Bahrain and Kenya to the world hockey family at its latest meeting.
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park, And Beautiful Boise
The Texas Stars opened their account on Friday night with a victory over the Henderson Silver Knights in the first half of a home-and-home.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t sweep the Silver Knights on Saturday and suffered a 5-4 loss.
Meanwhile, the Idaho Steelheads are getting reinforcements from Austin Metro. Their regular season opens at home Friday, October 18 against the Utah Grizzlies.
If you’d like to catch up with our Fish-y friends, you might enjoy this.
Finally
It’s game day. You know the drill. Enjoy.