It’s been a roller coaster start for the Dallas Stars (3-3-1) under second-tenure head coach Glen Gulutzan. Through the first seven games of the season, the Stars have dealt with key injuries and inconsistent play. Correspondingly, Gulutzan has juggled the line combinations. The club’s penalty kill has been leaky and the overall game-to-game performance fluctuation reflects the team’s “hockey .500” record to date.
On Saturday evening, the Stars face a big challenge from the East. Rod Brind’Amour’s Carolina Hurricanes (6-1-0) visit American Airlines Center for a 7:00 p.m. CDT (Victory+) inter-conference matchup. The Hurricanes, perennially the NHL’s best puck possession team and one with elite speed, present difficulties for most of their regular season opponents.
Stars look for building blocks
Meanwhile, Dallas aims to build from Thursday’s game against the LA Kings. The Stars settled for one point from a 3-2 overtime loss. The team is winless in its last four games (0-3-1) after starting the season with three consecutive victories. Nevertheless, the process was much better — especially at 5-on-5 — compared with their previous losses during the slump. To some degree, the Stars got “goalied” by Minnesota’s Darcy Kuemper.
On the positive side, Dallas went 2-for-5 on the power play despite their inability to finish off the high volume of even strength chances they created. Jason Roberson and Wyatt Johnston notched power play markers. Additionally, Roope Hintz set up both goals. Jake Oettinger made 22 saves.
Johnston is off to a torrid start this season. He’s posted at least one point (five goals, three assists) in six of the team’s seven games to date.
