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Stargazing, A Dallas Stars Puckcast – Episode 290: Round 2, Game 1 Reactions

Will Rantanen and Co. get the Stars across the Finnish Line? Wes and Mark talk it over.

Defending Big D's Stargazing podcast logo, featuring a Dallas Stars Victory Green cassette tape with tearaway jersey texture and nets over the sprocket holes, designed by Jason Lara
Logo design: Jason Lara | @NHLMaps

The Dallas Stars won a Game 1! This is the best thing to happen since 2020, when they won Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning…hey, wait a minute.

We know everyone loves a doomcast, but at this point we’re constantly on the lookout for reasons to believe. So Wes and Mark worked through the night to find sustainability in the Stars’ current good fortune (you know, the kind that doesn’t involve counting on Mikko Rantanen to tally a hat trick in every remaining game).

In this edition, they discuss double-shifting Moose, dealing with the Jets’ dominant top line, the return of Robo, how the game will change if Miro or Morrissey (or both) make it back in Game 2, what to expect from Pete DeBoer, and so much more.

A great penalty kill is like great insurance: You love to have it, but the more you use it, the costlier it gets. We’re Stargazing, and we can come up with this stuff all day. And After Dark!

Can the Stars keep winning on the road – and, even more importantly, at home? Let’s talk about it in the comments. We’d love to discuss your thoughts in the next cast.

And please don’t forget to rate, review and share wherever you listen. We’re grateful for it. Enjoy.

Well, the Dallas Stars exited the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs sooner than anyone wanted. It's going to be a long summer for all of us. What now? In this episode of Stargazing, Wes and Mark examined the takeaways from the Stars' all-too-short run. And along with the obvious issues (injuries, penalties, name it), they found some surprisingly positive evidence for the future (and you may or may not be surprised at how much of it probably ties into the promotion of Neil Graham). So are you rooting for the asteroid, or the giant truck? We're Stargazing, and we're keeping our options open. Bonus question: What will you look for in the next NHL Draft? Let's talk about it at Defending Big D. And please give us a rate, review, or share wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to Stargazing. We love you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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