Stars Stuff: Systems taking shape, Jason Robertson's heater can't be stopped, Lian Bichsel injured, and why trade talks might pick up

Let's go from A to Z.

If you’re new here, then you’ve probably noticed a tone of oddball skepticism. For a team as good as Dallas, I’ve had critical things to say because my Eye Test says there are things worth criticizing. After all, no team ever figures it all out. That only happens when a team wins the Cup. But for a team with a new coach, that’s especially true. Lately, I haven’t had much to say in that regard. Why? Because they look good. They’ve looked good for a solid week and some change now.

Thing is, I feel like I’m finally starting to see the vision. Before, I couldn’t tell who this team was. And no, getting “more physical” doesn’t count, nor does it constitute a system. A vision is planned purpose, and planned action. Where before I didn’t see it, now I feel like I am. What is it? Well this is just a guess from a professional yapper, but it looks to me like Dallas wants to play conservative at even-strength (they’re nearing top 10 in shot quality allowed, which speaks to their recent defensive performances), generating and stemming momentum on special teams, where they’ve been one of the best teams in the league. “Huh? But their PK.”

As I argued on Friday, Dallas’ penalty kill is on the mend, and will bounce back. It’s not just about what we saw versus Ottawa and Seattle — although it should be noted that the Senators only generated one whole shot on net all game — but really what we’ve seen all season: their system has treated them well in the previous three seasons, and continues to do so. To (pompously) quote myself, “that’s my theory in a nutshell: Dallas’ penalty kill is as defensively strong as it’s ever been, but the lack of shorthanded chances-for is creating a tension in their ability to defend.”

Their power play will be fine too. Since 2007, there are six rosters who have had a better shooting percentage on the man advantage. So yes, they’re doing something extraordinary, but it’s not historic. Conversely, the shot quality they’re generating on the man advantage is historic. Which is nuts.

I’m not at the “they’re a wagon” stage. They’re still something of a soft peach in terms of shot possession. Their expected goal share, on the other hand, has risen. The instinct for a lot of people is to point towards their AHL blueline (it really is that right now; no caveats), but if anything, I think this undersells how well these players have been actively doing.

Wagon or no, they’re moving, and on the hunt.

Lian Bichsel out

For such a literally massive player, Lian Bichsel has been playing relatively quiet hockey. Yes, he’s made some big hits. But nobody really talks about the hockey part of his game — a part that I think has been quietly effective all season. He’s certainly had his moments of young decision-making, and misfires. But it’s telling that even with some AHLers, old and relatively young in the lineup, Bichsel was still seen as the best defender outside of the top core. For a 21-year old, I think that merits emphasis, and a credit all its own. The play itself looked awful, but not because of anything malicious, but just due to how awkwardly Bichsel ran into the boards.

The end result is a true test to what Dallas’ AHLers are capable of. Alex Petrovic, Kyle Capobianco, and Vladislav Kolyachonok are about to be one half of Dallas’ blue line, full time. While I have some time for one more than others (I think Kolyachonok is has been deceptively good despite some hiccups), it’s likely a testament to Neil Graham that they’ve been able to transition so well. It’s also a testament to Graham himself, who is an NHL newbie too. Injuries have stretched the blue line thin, and I’m sure they’ll have moments of unfettered chaos, but the team has only gotten better the longer Dallas has played without Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist. That doesn’t mean they don’t need them obviously, or even that the AHLers are doing well — just that they’ve stood their ground.

The rumor mill

I suspect the Bichsel injury will prompt some internal discussions about getting ahead of the trade deadline. The only reason why I’m entertaining this potential talk is because we saw how Jim Nill reacted last season. Injuries were what motivated Dallas to get ahead of the market lunch line by grabbing Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci early.

The rumor mill has long tabbed Rasmus Andersson as a player Dallas and Vegas are interested in. He’s also a player with major buyer beware flags.

I’ve made it a point to watch Andersson this year, because last season he played the final stretch of games with a broken fibula. Which is not only nuts, but kind of dumb (no disrespect; this is largely aimed at the team). Watching him, I don’t think he looks as bad as he did last year, but it’s equally clear that he’s not the same player he once was. The offense has returned, but defensively, he looks like Tony DeAngelo at times. So if Dallas were to trade for him, they would get into a bidding war essentially for late-career John Klingberg.

Again, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Dallas has only been linked to rumors about Andersson. However, I have to wonder if last season didn’t scare them off a little. The Stars paid the iron price for a veteran forward and a defective defender only to see several talented players fall to where they would have picked. They also have a weak prospect pool right now, suggesting that they simply aren’t in position to move chips in that they don’t have.

Another thing I’m wondering is how a healthy Harley and Lundkvist look with the system and chemistries as they continue to refine themselves. It’s worth remembering that a potential Andersson trade, due to the Jason Robertson contract, would be a pure rental.

Jason Robertson musings

Robertson’s run has been fun. As of this writing, his shooting percentage is still under his career average (and by an insignificant margin). No player has been on the ice for more power play goals-for (22¹). It’s been fun and games. Who doesn’t want the good times to roll?

Nonetheless, there’s a lot going on, and a lot at stake. Not only is this a contract year², but it’s also a year in which Robertson is aiming for two things: a Stanley Cup, and Olympic Gold — two things he could potentially accomplish. One of the things I intend to write about at some point is whether or not Robertson really deserves a spot on the Olympic team. It’s a no-brainer. But not to everyone.

I’m curious where this leads us, though. Two Fridays okay I made a specific prediction: Robertson would score 52 goals.

He’s on pace for 50. I’m not looking for some kind of reward for potentially getting close, but I am curious what this means for the organization internally. If this turns into a career year, with Robertson in his prime, then Robertson and Pat Brisson have a little bit more leverage — not all. RFA’s don’t have a lot to begin with. But I am fascinated by the end game.

Meandering stuff

• Jamie Benn on the line with Rantanen and Johnston is interesting. I don’t believe they’re for real. In fact, I would argue that they aren’t good. At all. Dallas is being outshot 20 to 17, and their expected goal share of 36 percent is straight up radioactive. But Benn is nearly a point per game player thus far. Perhaps they just need more time?

• Thinking about the Johnston’s line possession stats makes me wonder about whether or not left wing is the position Dallas focuses on come the deadline. After all, Benn on a third line with Matt Duchene (assuming his condition doesn’t linger) and Mavrik Bourque or Justin Hryckowian sounds like a solid trio. In which case, I think a player like Jaden Schwartz, makes a ton of sense. He’s not what he once was, and right now he’s out for the next six weeks. But perhaps that makes him cheaper. He’s responsible, a deceptively good playmaker, and might just be the discount Conor Garland I’ve always felt like Dallas needed since the awesome and underrated Conor Garland is not available.

• Anders Lee will likely be the target if they want to improve left wing though. Lee’s always been more of a shooter, though. Solid player, though, and unlike Schwartz, seems to still have the juice.

• Hopefully this recent stretch really puts a pin on the discussion about the supreme importance of Miro Heiskanen. And hopefully that starts an inception on voters who otherwise wouldn’t consider his profile as worthy of a Norris.

• Because I care so little about jerseys, I didn’t give the new ones the credit they deserve. I wouldn’t put them up there as the best, but like the blackouts, they grow on you, and look great on ice.

1. The players below him? (In ascending order) Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, and Mikko Rantanen.

2. That’s RFA: not UFA, Jeff.