Dallas Stars 2014-15 Season Preview
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
DALLAS STARS
2013-14 RECAP
The Dallas Stars are officially a force to be reckoned with. It had been a while since the Stars were a real threat, but last season they showed they can play against anyone. With some big offseason acquisitions, they’re in an even better spot to begin this season. And considering they made the playoffs for the first time in six years, and finished the season with 91 points, their fan base has a lot to look forward to this season.
The Stars suffered a first round exit in six games against the Anaheim Ducks.
Mar 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Ottawa Senators center
Jason Spezza(19) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Senators 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
CHANGES
IN – Jason Spezza, Ales Hemsky
OUT- Alex Chiasson, Sergei Gonchar, Aaron Rome
Offensively, they’re even scarier (if that’s possible). The additions of Spezza and Hemsky make their top six look nothing short of ridiculous. Defensemen of the league beware: you’re in for a tough season against the Dallas Stars. Defensively, they’ll look very similar to last season.
Apr 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing
Jamie Benn(14) skates against the Anaheim Ducks during game six of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Ducks defeated the Stars 5-4 and win the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
3 BIG QUESTIONS
1. Can Seguin and Jamie Benn Repeat Last Year’s Success? It’s no secret that these two played extremely well together last year, finishing the season with 84 and 79 points. Despite all the talent the team has up front, the second line in pretty much set in stone already. No one will be getting more ice time than the Seguin-Benn combo, and for good reason.
2. Kari Lehtonen – Vezina Winner? Ever since he arrived in Dallas in 2010, Lehtonen has been the definition of solid. With a team as strong as the “Playoff Bound” Stars in front of him, this would be the year he has a Vezina-worthy season. He won’t have nearly as much pressure with all of the other big names on the roster.
3. Would a Hotel Change Help? The Stars finished the season with a very impressive 23-11-7 record at home. Their away record? Not so nice at 17-20-4. Obviously changing hotels wouldn’t do anything, please don’t take that suggestion seriously. But when a team’s home and away records are so incredibly different, there must be something causing it.
Apr 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Stars salute their fans after the loss to the Anaheim Ducks during the overtime period in game six of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Ducks defeated the Stars 5-4 and win the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
PREDICTION
I think it’s safe to assume the Stars will have a repeat of last season: making the playoffs in one of the wilcard spots. While they’re a very strong team, it will be difficult getting ahead of the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche. It’s without a doubt the toughest division in the league, and each of those teams added to their already powerful rosters on the offseason.
4th Central Division