A Hot Start in DALLAS

Early Returns but aLong Vision

CALGARY, ALBERTA- The first few weeks of DCHL games have been played. The dust is far from settled but we can see some of the league come into focus. At or near the top, are the DALLAS STARS.

Judging a team’s season based on its first 10 games is a foolish exercise, but one that writers and journalists will do nonetheless. Asking what would be “if the season ended today” is a useless exercise practically but also a fun one. However, it is worth mentioning, the STARS have been hot, consistent, and good at several points under their current GM, but they have only ever been THIS HOT, CONSISTENT, and GOOD back in 2016-17 where they won the PRESIDENT’S TROPHY.

Coming off last year’s loss in the WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL to the WILD this team was not devastated en route back to DALLAS. They were not shocked at what some would call a “surprise run” at the DCHL CUP. They felt proven right, but they also knew: “If we can get this far, we can go farther.”

If the players think this, then leadership sings the same song. Most of the roster returned this year with a few offseason acquisitions playing key parts in the early season success. JUSTIN HOLL was not an offseason pickup but did not start 2019-20 with the team. He is now in and out of the line up on a daily basis playing team MEDIC for the injured DALLAS D-CORPS. CALLE JARNKROK was acquired from FLORIDA for a trio of players and already has 2 goals on the year, including a game winner, while serving as the veteran presence on lower lines. The latest offseason acquisition to break through is COREY PERRY who scored his first goal of the year, a GWG against CALGARY on the road.

However, none of these contributions have surpassed JAROSLAV HALAK who cost the STARS a much valued prospect in return. The duo of HALAK and SAROS has so far combined for 9 wins, 1 Shutout, and a sub 2 goal GAA and 92% or better save percentage. Splitting the season so far into a one-third, two-thirds split has been rewarding with wins, but also by keeping both key players fresh.

It is easy to say it is early, and it is. This team could completely fall apart due to injury, bad trades, or poor luck. The team might even be over-performing right now (however multiple wins vs. COLORADO and ARIZONA point to something more than luck). Some rumors exist that DALLAS has worked phones to some GMs for potential upgrades. After all, this is the first year in awhile where the GM enters the season with full control of over 7+ draft pick selections.

Still though, if you ask the GM from DALLAS his thoughts, you might get caution about sample sizes and significance estimates of early season performance. His tempered expectations are offset only by optimism about belief in this roster going back to the acquisition of LEON DRAISAITL 2 seasons ago. After winning a President’s Trophy the STARS transitioned toward a controversial rebuild despite leading the division around this time in 2017. The leader of the franchise believed in his vision then, and even if he doubts to early season returns, the WCF run and early season success appear to suggest that vision was worth the wait.

THIS WAS THE LONE STAR PUCK REPORTING!