I Got the Moves Like Jagr
One week into the regular season we have seen the Stars go from an offensive juggernaut to the exact same team as last year. Through the first four games the Stars are 2-1-1 with 5 points and are currently 2nd in the NHL Pacific. Unlike last year, the Stars look like a more attack orientated team. Their passing has been oodles better and the game has been opened up a lot more. Instead of getting goals from grinding, winning battles in the corner, Dallas has been actually scoring because of skill. However, every game has been a volatile one with every game exposing new problems. Despite these issues they have been able to compete with some of the best teams in the league and will be put to the test tomorrow night in St. Louis. Hopefully, this is just a case of the short camp and. In a short 48 game season the stress on Dallas will be not to win games (which they will do), but figure out their identity. Here is a recap of the first four games of the season.
Game 1: Star 4-Coyotes 3
In Jaromir Jagr's Dallas Stars debut he accounted for all 4 goals for the Dallas Stars with 2 assists and 2 goals. The Stars' fans have not had a chance to watch a player of this caliber to watch and cheer for since Modano. What makes Jagr so incredible at his age is not the razzle dazzle of the past, but his ability to move without the puck. At his age and the amount of time he has had playing the game he knows exactly where the space is to get shots. Next time you watch a Stars game look out for how he plays without the puck, not with it. The other thing that has been so exciting about his arrival is the give and go. The way him and is line mates have already been able to work together has been beautiful thus far. This signing by Nieuwendyk is just like when Daniel's signed Vlad to a two year deal. By taking a flyer on Jagr they were able to get high reward out of a low risk signing that everyone had written off.
Lehtonen's first game was not at the level everyone was expecting if you look simply at the goals allowed. However, he gave up two goals on power plays and one on a break away. Last year every game was on Kari's shoulders, but let's hope that this year is different. Dallas needs to win with Kari, but not solely because of him. Regardless, of the score this game was sweet like a glass of chocolate almond milk because of the way they attacked and how open the game was.
Number of teeth Missing-9.
Game 2: Stars 0-Wild 1
This game was the stereotypical Dallas Stars game. A 1-0 snorefest where the offense was unable to do anything and let down the goal tender. However this time the net minder was not Kari, but the newcomer Christopher Nilstorp. In his first career game he gave up only one goal on 32 shots. The only goal he gave up was to the Wild's bottom bitch, Zach Parise ">on a one timer right from the high slot. Nilstorp is going to need to have a big year for the Stars in this shorten condensed schedule. He will get multiple opportunities to play, especially on back to back nights to keep Kari fresh and youthful. Dallas can not afford to miss a beat on days when Kari needs a break. On a side note, really the only thing NHL has done right is their website. The ability to watch every big play from the night before is something no other sport has done right. Not only because of how well the quality is, but how it actually works right, I am looking at you Roger Goodell. There are a lot of games I miss living in Central Texas because of the Spurs being on instead and the six minute games and highlights allow me to still watch.
Number of Teeth Missing-3
Game 3: Stars 2-Red Wings 1
Dallas dominated this entire game from the first puck drop. They outplayed, outhit, and outskilled the mighty Detroit Redwings (who some predict won't even make the playoffs). It was extremely frustrating watching them miss out on scoring chance after scoring chance. This game should have been a 6-1 blowout, but they were unable to knock the puck against the twine. Part of this was a poor ability to finish and part of it was Tim Howard doing his best Kari impersonation. It was if every Star player grew a blonde mohawk and had their sole stolen by Mario Balotelli.
This game also brought the best moment in the Stars season. With four seconds left in the third, Brunner was finally able to tear down the Finnish wall and sneak one past Kari. The Detroit crowd turned into a raucous mob and heckled Kari in their delight. He slyly replied with the point to the score board which is one of the most under rated celebrations of all time. Another night another ridiculous game by Lehtonen, he faced 40 shots and saved 39 of them.
Number of teeth missing-8
Game 4: Stars 2-Blackhawks 3 OT
In a game the Stars had no business even having a lead in, they managed to get a point, but only after squandering a two goal lead. Their first goal came on a short handed break away by Loui ">Erikkson with 1.6 seconds left. The play was only possible by a sick nasty Derek Roy flick pass who has become the skilled offensive center the Stars needed. Their other goal came on a heads up pass from Eakin to a wide open Ray Whitney standing all alone next to the Chicago goalie. The relatively unknown Eakin, will be the X-factor for the Stars season. As a prep player he averaged 30 goals a season and if he is kept given the chance to play he should be able to score at least 20 in a shorten season.
It was all down slope after that. The Blackhawks kept barraging Kari with shots and they eventually broke through. They scored three goals in the power play and quickly turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead. This Chicago team is dangerous, can score in spurts and their only possible downfall is their goal tending. This game was the exact opposite of the Detroit game. They went ahead when they shouldn't have, capitalized on their chances, and did not protect Kari at all.
Also the Stars were able to sign their star of the future Jamie Benn for five years 26.25 million. It was a deal that was a must to get done, insures that the owner wants to and wants to bring wins back to the Metroplex.
Number of teeth missing-5
The off season switch to focus more on offense by trading Ribero and Steve Ott has had its ups and downs. The Stars have given up way too many shots, but they have been able to score goals at times. The team should continue its volatile stretch like last year until they find their identity. They need to take the pressure of Kari, not take give up so many dumb penalties, and improve their PK. The best part of the season is how much more exciting and dynamic this team has been such last year. Hopefully this continues and we see more 3-2 games and less 1-0 games that make church see, fun.
One other note. For fans go the game, be rowdy, stand up and cheer, enjoy the team because Nieuwendyk and the new ownership are going all in to bring a damn good team back to Dallas and its your part to give back. After a 113 days of NHL constipation the game is back and the Stars look good as ever. If they play more consistent we might actually see Dallas in the playoffs for the first time in four years. It just feels good to watch the coldest game on Earth instead of NHL 2013 simulations.
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