Stray Observations (Game 81): Low stakes and lots of fun in Dallas' 6-5 win over Toronto

Just because it doesn't matter doesn't mean we can't have fun.

Safe to say, I think we’re firmly in the “who cares” zone. I’m not speaking for the players here. Or even myself. Just that Game 81 between a team who already knows their first round opponent and has home ice locked up, and a tanking team that can’t tank because the first round pick they traded is top-five protected…was always going to be played with less stakes than normal.

That kind of held true. But it wasn’t for lack of trying. Certainly not for lack of trying by Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. And it certainly didn’t lack in fun. Dallas never held a lead in the game…until the very end when they did.

With 27 power play goals, Wyatt Johnston now moves into the top 20 all time for most power play goals in a season, tied with Sam Reinhart for second among active skaters, below only Leon Draisaitl. He won’t catch Draisaitl’s 32 unless something else historic happens versus Buffalo on Thursday, but it’s a milestone all the same.

There were a few other milestones in the game but we’ll get to those. For now, the Stars can run on good vibes. It was one of the jankiest games of the season, but a lot of players will go into the postseason with some serious momentum, not to mention, something to prove.

The Tyler Myers discourse

Lots and lots of angry fans regarding Myers’ play. Which is their right. And also their justification. Myers played arguably his worst game in a Stars uniform (mostly in the first period, for what it’s worth). We sort of knew what we were getting when Myers was traded for: an aging veteran whose best years were behind him. However, that first period alone was pause for concern. I suspect his recent injury is factoring in here, which is all the more reason to shut him down for the regular season. Myers hasn’t exactly been great for a few years now, but he’s never looked that bad.

Early returns on a new top line

When Michael Bunting was brought in, the idea was to give Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen more offensive bite; someone with actual top six experience instead of the rotations with Sam Steel, Justin Hyrckowian, etc. No, Bunting has not looked comfortable yet. But he also had yet to play with Johnston and Rantanen. Sometimes all it takes is the right ingredients. I was impressed. Right away they were connecting with one another offensively, and finding each other from tape to space. If this is a glimpse into the future, then it’s a great one. Because Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque seem fine. Speaking of…

A new top line player

Bourque is officially a 40-point player. Bourque has been an interesting topic of discussion for over a year now. A little frustration set in early, and there was a time when his finishing ability was questioned (despite the fact that his goal totals were completely in line with the average forward). Bourque is probably not some secret 60-point forward. But he’s no longer punching above his weight and he still has one game to hit 20 goals. His ability to be responsible, play with some quiet dawg, and chip in with offense will be more than enough come the postseason. Talk about blossoming.

Meandering Strays

• Obviously, this isn’t a controversy except here, but when Roope Hintz and Sam Steel return, I’m super curious who comes out. Arttu Hyry would seem like the most obvious candidate, having played less games than the others. But his faceoff differential per 60 is already 15th in the entire league among skaters with at least 200 minutes of icetime. He’s been rock solid on the penalty kill, hit a post tonight thanks to a heavy shot, scored one thanks to Troy Stetcher’s shot, and all in all seems to have more layers than most of Dallas’ depth forwards. The last time Dallas brought an unheralded Finnish forward into the postseason, things worked out for well for both. Just a thought.

• This might literally be the first game all season where Casey DeSmith looked off. He wasn’t necessarily bad, but I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look so froggy in net.

• Toronto is a cautionary tale for teams that move away from their identity in order to chase someone else’s.

• Quick note to paid subscribers: if you want early access to paid pieces, be sure to join the Discord (send a friend request to me and DM me your email on Discord so I can confirm). The Dallas vs. Minnesota preview is finished and it may take a couple of days to get through. No seriously. It’s a 31-minute read. (And if you don’t care and are happy to read it when it’s published, that’s cool too.)