The Dallas Stars head into the Olympic break on a high note, having won six consecutive games after a difficult period earlier in the season. With the break starting now, most players will not play another hockey game until February 25. As some players prepare for vacations and others participate in the Milan Olympic opening ceremonies, coach Glen Gulutzan finds some relief knowing his team has corrected many issues that plagued them during December and January.
Despite the advantages of momentum, the timing of the break poses challenges for the Stars in sustaining their winning form.
Stars’ Offensive Game Finds Rhythm After Struggles
Offensive woes that had unsettled the Stars for about a month seem to be fading. In their last six victories, the team scored three or more goals in each game. Key players such as Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, and Thomas Harley, who struggled to perform consistently, have recently found their stride. Harley notably scored an overtime winner against Winnipeg earlier this week, while Benn and Duchene are on four- and six-game point streaks, respectively. Benn’s two goals, including a late game-winner against the St. Louis Blues, helped secure a 5-4 victory, with Duchene contributing an assist and a point.
Mixed Feelings Surround Timing of the Break
Even with the winning streak, the timing of the Olympic break has caused some concern among players. Matt Duchene expressed conflicted emotions, saying,
“I kind of hate the timing of this, to be honest, I’m feeling good as an individual, and then, as a team, we’re rolling. But I think that hunger will continue to fester in the break.”
The break represents a chance for rest but also an interruption just as the Stars seem to be firing on all cylinders.
Lessons Learned From Previous Breaks Emphasize Importance of Momentum
The Stars are mindful of the difficulties they faced after their last holiday break, which lasted only three days. At that time, the team had won eight of 10 games, but post-break, a single loss snowballed into six consecutive defeats, extending their recovery to nearly a month. Issues such as scoring inconsistency, discipline problems, and overtime struggles plagued them during that period.
This history underlines the urgency to avoid losing momentum during this longer Olympic break. Coach Gulutzan hopes the team’s recent experiences have instilled valuable lessons. He commented,
“The adversity has really made us take a look at ourselves and see what makes us successful and what makes us a better team. I think from the coaching staff to the players sitting on the bench watching the ice, that extra one degree we’ve been talking about basically since I got here is in play and it makes us better as a team. The adversity has forced us in that direction.”
Late-Game Defensive Concerns Remain a Focus
Despite the winning streak, the Stars have allowed opponents to rally late in several games, surrendering leads in the third period against Vegas, Winnipeg, and twice to St. Louis. All four contests were decided in overtime, shootouts, or during the dying moments of regulation, highlighting unfinished business for Dallas’ defensive unit.
Jamie Benn acknowledged this continuing challenge, stating,
“There’s always something to work on as a group. We’re not perfect, by any means. But I like the way we find ways to win. We’ll get some rest and come back and work at our game.”
Olympic Participation Adds Unique Variables for the Team
Several Stars players will return from the Olympic tournament with varying degrees of rest and fatigue, depending on their involvement. Among them, one player will likely come back with an Olympic gold medal, adding prestige but also potential physical wear. Those not participating in the Olympics will have additional time to recover before a crucial stretch of the season begins.
The Stars hope to field one of their healthiest rosters in months, with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin having returned after missing four games and Lian Bichsel expected back from surgery on February 25.
Playoff Positioning and Upcoming Challenges on the Horizon
Dallas remains in a competitive spot within the division, trailing Colorado by six points, though Colorado holds two games in hand. The Stars are just one point behind Minnesota, who also have a game in hand. The schedule includes five remaining head-to-head games against both of these teams, making those matchups critical for playoff seeding.
Matt Duchene underlined the anticipated path to the postseason, commenting,
“You’ve got to be where you’re at in the season, but at the same time, we’re preparing each game for the playoffs. We know we’re going to have Minnesota in the first round. If we win that, we’ve got Colorado. To do that, we need our game to be at a high level.”
With postseason ambitions clear, the Stars understand that the months following the Olympic break will be demanding and pivotal for their season’s success.
Importance of Recovery Before a Grueling Final Stretch
The Stars face an intense final 25 games over two months after the Olympic hiatus, where every contest will test their resilience and focus. Avoiding past pitfalls, maintaining momentum, and tightening late-game defense will be essential as they aim for a fifth straight playoff appearance and hope to advance beyond the Western Conference finals, a hurdle they have not surpassed in recent years.
This break provides a crucial window for rest and reflection, but the challenge lies in restarting with the same intensity and determination that has led to their recent success.
