In an unexpected turn of events, Jack Campbell started both games this past weekend in Charlotte. The one-time scion of the Dallas net hadn’t started back to back games in the AHL since December. He split the weekend, going 1-1, but the question still remains. Where does Dallas stand in net?
With Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi locked in for the next two years, it would take a lot to push into the NHL right now in the Dallas organization. Barring a cap space move, it’s going to be merit-based.
That’s OK for the current #3 in the org, Maxime Lagace. The French-Canadian tender started the year hoping for the AHL backup role but expecting the ECHL starter role. He’s ended as the top goalie in the minors for Texas. With a scintillating glove hand and 19-9-2 record (.918 SV%), he’s just positively killing it for the Stars right now.
But the problem is that he doesn’t have any NHL experience. Outside of Niemi and Lehtonen, the entire organization’s goalie pool has just one NHL game. It belongs to Jack Campbell.
That’s probably an issue.
Next year could bring Philippe Desrosiers to Texas for good, paired with Lagace. Who’s your first call if something goes sideways in Dallas?
Point being that I don’t know the answers right now, but the summer is going to be interesting for Dallas in net. While the NHL may be set, the AHL and ECHL (and beyond) are still very much TBD.
Playoff Picture
The magic number is down to just 2 for Texas. If they win this weekend, they’re in. With four games left, things look pretty solid for the Stars to make the playoffs.
Texas Stars Fooled in Charlotte 6-3
Matej Stransky scored to continue his hot streak with a goal, but the Texas Stars fell to the Charlotte Checkers by a 6-3 final. The game was remarkable in that Jack Campbell and John Muse played against each other. The two started the season as the prohibitive one and two goalies for the Texas Stars.
The teams were briefly tied at two in the second but otherwise Charlotte held the lead the whole way.
Texas Stars Inch Closer to Playoffs with 4-3 Shootout Win
Curtis McKenzie stepped up this evening to drive the Stars to a 4-3 shootout victory in Charlotte. Texas and the Checkers traded goals with each other throughout the contest. The final differential came in the shootout with Matej Stransky scoring the only goal of the skills competition.
Jack Campbell picked up his fifth win of the AHL season.
The Week Ahead
Texas has just two games this week, the second to last of the regular season. The San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks) come to Texas for games on Friday and Saturday.
Injury Report
Cole Ully is the Stars’ lone injured player at the moment.