First Shift
The Stars had a few issues to start this season.
With Joe Pavelski retiring and both Robertson and Johnston navigating injuries in training camp, Dallas got off to a slow start on the power play, hanging near the bottom of the league at 16 percent. The lads in Victory Green also were struggling on the road with a 6-8-0 mark away from home shortly after Thanksgiving.
It was a confusing time for a team that had the best road record in franchise history (26-10-5) the year before and ranked sixth in power play success at 24.2 percent.
But starting on December 23, things started to change – and now a lot of early problems seem to be in the rearview mirror. As the Stars roll into Vegas for a big showdown on Tuesday, they are 7-2-0 in their past nine road games. They also have pushed the power play success rate to 25.5 percent over the past month.
It’s a nice reminder of just what this team can be when everything is clicking.
“That’s what good teams do,” coach Pete DeBoer said when asked about addressing problems and finding solutions.
The Stars have proven they are a good team. They have made it to the Western Conference Final two years in a row. They finished with the best record in the West last season. They have adjusted not only the recovery time needed by Johnston and Robertson, but also to losing Tyler Seguin (hip surgery) and Mason Marchment (face surgery) midseason. And they are battling once again for a top spot in the West.
Dallas sits fourth in the Western Conference at 31-17-1 with 63 points (.643 points percentage). It beat Vegas (31-15-4, 66 points) at home last week, so it will get to test out its road legs on Tuesday.
DeBoer said the coaching staff is always trying to resolve issues, and the start to the year was a challenge. But the group effort between coaches and players has been a satisfying one so far.
“That’s what we do,” DeBoer said. “We come in every morning and look at areas that are in a good place, you want to keep them in a good place. And areas that aren’t, you have to improve. That’s daily. This won’t be the last time something creeps in and part of that is recognizing it before it gets too far down the road.”
Both Robertson and Johnston have learned quite a bit already. Pavelski played on a line with Robertson and served as the billet family for Johnston. So while both players were dealing with a lack of preparation because of physical limitations, they also had to find a way to step up with one of their leaders gone. In the past 17 games, Robertson has 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) and Johnston has 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists).
That’s a big reason for the power play success, and also a big reason Dallas is tops in the league in that span at 12-4-1.
“We knew that eventually we would break out of it,” Robertson said. “We talk about it, but you have to put the work in. There is confidence there. I think the new year helped. Everyone turned the page, and we have been better. I’m sure we’re going to have another tough moment, but we know we can recover from it.”
DeBoer said the mental aspect is real, and that individuals can help each other.
“Confidence is such a big part of the game, particularly in some of those areas,” DeBoer said. “Those are things we manage on a daily basis.”
And while urgency is a real part of the human condition, so is calm.
“I think patience is a big part of it…and knowing the group,” DeBoer said of how the coaches handle adversity. “It’s not my first year with the group, so I know what they’re capable of. I know the personnel. I think that allows you to have a little more patience.”
That said, there are a lot of new faces, and a lot of new issues. In recent games, rookie Lian Bichsel has been paired with veteran Dumba on defense, while veteran defenseman Brendan Smith has been moved to forward. All three are new additions to the roster.
That’s part of the new guys learning from the old guys.
“With key personnel out, the fact we haven’t lost three in a row, the fact we’ve been able to stop the bleeding…a big part of that is leadership,” DeBoer said.
Losing Pavelski hurts in that area too, but captain Benn has stepped up, and so have players like Esa Lindell, Heiskanen, Duchene and Hintz.
“What I’ve been really impressed with is our leadership,” DeBoer said. “What we’ve been through in the first three months, there’s been a lot of adversity with our road record and power play, those things could have easily gone off the rails if you don’t have great leadership to stay the course and keep messaging what the coaches are messaging.”
Welcome to our Game Day Guide for the match-up between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to catch a thrilling game, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make the most of your game day experience.
1. Venue: The game will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Make sure to arrive early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere and grab some snacks and drinks before the puck drops.
2. Tickets: If you haven’t already secured your tickets, be sure to check online ticketing platforms or the team’s official website for availability. Prices may vary depending on seating location and demand, so act fast to secure the best seats.
3. Transportation: If you’re driving to the game, consider carpooling with friends to save on parking fees. Alternatively, take advantage of public transportation options or rideshare services for a hassle-free journey to the arena.
4. Merchandise: Show your support for your favorite team by picking up some official merchandise at the arena or online before the game. From jerseys to hats and scarves, there’s something for every fan to wear with pride.
5. Food and Drinks: T-Mobile Arena offers a variety of food and beverage options to satisfy your cravings during the game. From classic stadium snacks like hot dogs and nachos to gourmet options and craft beer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
6. Game Day Promotions: Keep an eye out for any special promotions or giveaways happening at the game. From discounted tickets to free merchandise, there may be opportunities to score some extra perks during your game day experience.
7. Post-Game Fun: After the final buzzer sounds, consider sticking around to enjoy the post-game festivities. Whether it’s celebrating a win or commiserating a loss, there’s always a lively atmosphere at the arena after the game ends.
We hope this Game Day Guide helps you make the most of your experience watching the Dallas Stars take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Enjoy the game and may the best team win!
Tags:
- NHL game day guide
- Stars vs Golden Knights
- Hockey game day tips
- Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
- NHL game day preview
- Golden Knights game day guide
- NHL game day essentials
- Game day tips for hockey fans
- Dallas Stars game day guide
- Vegas Golden Knights game day tips
#Game #Day #Guide #Stars #Golden #Knights
