Given Nashville’s surge, tonight’s game wasn’t just a race to the top, and a shot at the President’s Trophy (not that anyone cares), but it’s also an opportunity to almost guarantee a first-round matchup with the LA Kings, who looks like the team to draw the Western’s best. Granted, I think Nashville ends up being the second wild card, but that’s neither here nor there.
It was a great game despite the low score. Both teams seemed to be in full-on thunderdome mode; lots of hits, and superfluous facewashing. (Although are those ever superfluous?) The contest really felt like both teams firing on all cylinders, with minimal space and lots of animosity. Eventually Dallas found a way thanks to Vancouver penalties, and a Stars power play that’s suddenly delivering.
Compliments, of course, of Jamie Benn. Benn is now on a six-game goal scoring streak, with 20 points in the last 19 games. It’s been something of a muddled season for the captain. The production wasn’t showing up after a hot start, but neither was anything else. In fact, he continues to be a deep drag on the defense. Of course, not every player is perfect, and nobody expects that at this stage in his career. Which is why the re-emergence of his goal-scoring is such a great sign for the Stars.
I wouldn’t expect that to continue, but it’s not like I’m complaining. The most important takeaway is that Dallas picked up two points in a full-fledged Playoff Atmosphere game. Meanwhile, Colorado and Winnipeg both lost. We can him and haw over playoff seeding, the best matchup, and the easiest road to the Cup, but you can only take care of yourself first, and tonight Dallas took care of business in one of their more thorough performances of the season.
FYI: I’ll have a paid post up tomorrow morning. As always, consider subscribing, and not just because the taxes on 1099’s are no joke, but because paid content tends to be evergreen content, including film room analysis on players who still have yet to make the roster, like Mavrik Bourque and Lian Bichsel.
Roope Hintz stock watch
Hintz has been the topic of conversation amongst Stars fans for obvious reasons: he hasn’t been near as productive as you’d expect. The reasons for that are many. I think Joe Pavelski has been a bit of an anchor on that line. Jason Robertson hasn’t been his usual self at least in terms of goal scoring. There’s also the top power play unit, which has been underwhelming to say the least. And there’s another big reason, which I’ll talk about tomorrow. However, like Jake Oettinger, Hintz is gonna be judged in the playoffs, where he’s been excellent. Granted, there’s no guarantee he returns to form. But I’m not terribly worried. What he does from shift to shift is something you don’t get out of many top centers, and make no mistake: he is a top center.
Jake Oettinger: return to form?
As mentioned, as Oettinger goes, so does Dallas. He’s their most important player, and he more or less holds the keys. The hope is that he can carry momentum from the regular season into the postseason. Should that be the narrative, he’s certainly making a case. More than just looking technically sound, he has the demeanor of a confident player; that poke check on Brock Boeser in the second half of the final stanza being a great example. Whether that holds true is another story, but he’s been pretty damn good — certainly very different than the player Dallas had early in the season.
The new twin watch (Stankoven and Johnston)
While Stankoven continues wowing with his dogged work, it’s Johnston that seems to be in super saiyan mode. He’s easily the best player on what is already a fantastic line, and it almost feels like his current production undersells just how good he is now, and how good he will be. It’s not just his offense either. He’s an effective presence in all three zones; so much so that his defense is starting to really shine through.
Brief sticktap: Sam Steel
One player who we all take for granted a bit is Steel. Not only did he genuinely have to win his spot, but once he earned it, he never let go. He’s been quieter lately, which is more or less what you’d expect out of a fourth liner, but he’s been noticeable, which is hard for a fourth liner to do so consistently (not to mention, something I wouldn’t say of Faksa or Smith unless they’re scoring.)
The Vancouver perspective
Except for the absence of Elias Lindholm, this is more or less the Canucks’ final form. They’re an interesting team, and one I tend to be down on. They’re strong defensively, but are clearly overperforming in terms of goals.
Nonetheless, they remain a team to be reckoned with. While it’s hard to imagine them emerging out of the Pacific dogpile, it’s not hard to imagine them going on a deep run. They have a blueline led by a rock star (Quinn Hughes), offensive depth that can play fast and physical, and quality goaltending.
Is it possible this was an early look at the Western Conference Finals? Not to me but it also wouldn’t surprise me. They share a lot of similarities, but you know the old Highlander line.
It’s a damn shame that all the major sports networks/websites want to talk about are the Bruins, Rangers,Devils,etc and Conner Bedard. The Blackhawks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon and there are 2 or 3 articles every day about them. It’s like the Stars don’t exist. If they hadn’t given the Carolina game away and sleep walked the next game against NJ they would have 105 points and the Presidents Trophy in hand and they may still get it.
I think our young core is as good as anyone in the league. Johnston, Stankoven, Miro, Harley, Nils and soon to be Bourque and Bish. Add in Robo and Hintz and the Stars are going to be on top for a few years at least.
"It's better to burn out than fade away"