Don't Be Down, The Stars Are On Their Way
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DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) - I understand what you are feeling right now. That was not a game to remember. That was a Game 7 that we would all like to forget.
Hopefully I can be your sports psychologist and turn that frown around. First and foremost, we can't talk enough about the absence of Tyler Seguin from this series. This is a different series if 91 is in the lineup. To say that the Dallas Stars would win the series with Seguin isn't fair to St. Louis, but the Blues would certainly have to game plan for him.
Learning to win in the NHL is a process. The Chicago Blackhawks are a perfect example. Before winning three Stanley Cups, they were ousted in the Western Conference Finals in 2008-09. The following year, they won their first Cup since 1961. Let's look at the steps this season. Winning the Central Division is a huge step. Winning your first playoff series since 2008 is an even bigger leap. It's happening, so let's be patient.
You remember how excited you were when Nomar Mazara got called up and made an impact for the Texas Rangers. Take that enthusiasm and double it, because the Stars are stacked in the minors. How quickly we forget that two integral members of this team, Stephen Johns and Radek Faksa, didn't even play the full year with the team. They were call-ups. If he didn't get injured, Brett Ritchie would have started the season on the main roster. You have Jamie Oleksiak and Patrick Nemeth waiting in the wings to play. Defenseman Esa Lindell is ready to come up, and recent first round pick Julius Honka is close. Names like Curtis McKenzie, Jason Dickinson and Devin Shore will be fighting for roster spots.
The talent in the minors is deep and, if you need to, you can use some of these guys to bring in another marquee name or two to take you over the top. If you don't go that route, general manager Jim Nill has salary cap money to go out and improve the club. Nill is quickly becoming one of the top executives in the NHL. If I was an opposing team and Nill wanted to wheel and deal with me, I'd be nervous. He's acquired big-time talent without giving up a lot. We need to trust him and Lindy Ruff. They'll fix the defense and the goaltending. If we see it, they see it.
This will be an interesting offseason and, before you know it, they'll be dropping the puck in September. This year wasn't a fluke. This team is going to get better, not just for next year but for many years to come. Heads held high, Stars fans, the future is bright.