Scoring depth continues to make the Stars extremely dangerous
The Dallas Stars have come out of the gates flying. The team has started 6-2-0 on the season, and while they’re only averaging 3.00 goals scored per game, good for 20th in the NHL, it’s the way their scoring that’s drawing much more attention.
The Stars have been scoring by committee this season. Matt Duchene has four goals and nine points through eight games, Roope Hintz also has scored four times, same can be said for Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin. Meanwhile, the likes of Logan Stankoven and Wyatt Johnson have combined for 13 points early on, and continue to impress as they get their feet wet in the NHL.
The Stars are a well-oiled machine that continues to win hockey games thanks to a collective effort. On Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli highlighted the Stars’ start and dove into their balanced attack.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Another win I wanted to talk about from last night, Frank, was over in Dallas. Where it looks like the Stars haven’t really missed much of a beat. They’re 6-2-0 to start the year, and something that is impressive about them year after year is their depth up front. They win 5-2 and get three of their goals on the power play, but it’s five different goal-scorers who do the job.
I think last year, if you were to look at them year over year, it’s kind of like – ok, is Matt Duchene going to be Matt Duchene again, is Tyler Seguin, cause again, these guys aren’t getting any younger, they’re in their 30’s. Is he going to be as productive as he was last year? What we’re seeing early on is it’s absolutely the case. Even on a night, where you’re not starting Jake Oettinger, go with Casey DeSmith and the offense can power you. DeSmith played well, I’m not trying to discount that, but it’s just the fact that their forward depth can win them so many games. This was an impressive victory for them over the Boston Bruins.
Frank Seravalli: Yeah, and every time you’re like – hey what does that Dallas Stars’ forward core look like moving forward? And, the Matt Duchene deal continues to be an absolutely ridiculous. Another three points, he’s only signed for $3 million this year. A great reminder for players that a) money isn’t everything and b) don’t ‘bleep’ with happy. That part has been hugely clear in terms of Duchene wanting to stay in Dallas.
So, you got Duchene that ends up staying and then now you got interesting contract decisions coming up. What happens with Jamie Benn? But, then Stankoven rolls in, then after that it’s like here’s Mavrik Bourque, let’s just add in another guy, another layer to this.
The thing I’ll keep coming back to with Dallas is if you want to talk about their depth, you have to go back to their drafting. When you draft so well it allows you this many different options to continue to add to your team from internally and not having to go out and do what we just talked about. If you want to improve your team defensively, your two options are either trade or draft. You have to have the foresite, expert scouting, and patience to pull it off on the draft end. And if not, you’re going to pay through the nose.
Watch the full episode here for more on the Stars’ hot start, Shea Theodore’s new extension in Vegas, and some early-season trade talk: