Would you look at that, back-to-back wins on the road! And three goals for in each. Been a while since the Stars had that kind of offensive output on the road. It wasn't an artistic masterpiece, but they don't award style points. So we take the two points and get ready for the toughest test so far, the Ducks at home on Friday. On to the bullet points....
- Jagr's OT winner was his 668th career goal and moves him into a tie for 10th with Luc Robitaille on the all-time list. You probably knew that already but it's certainly worth acknowledging.
- The Benn train is running at full steam now. Five points(3g 2a) in back-to-back games and a shiny plus-4. The road agrees with Jamie, now here's hoping home-cooking will at least keep things clicking if not take it up a notch.
- Keep the faith Loui owners. I know some are worried about his lack of shots and goals recently, but it isn't for lack of trying. He just needs to dial the sights in on his stick as the aim has been a bit off. He's had lots of shots sail wide, high, find iron, or blocked on the way in. He did pick up an assist on the power-play last night though and one shot. Fear not, he will reward the faithful.
- Seen an interesting stat last night. The Stars are now 70-0-8 when leading after two periods. They haven't lost in regulation when entering the final stanza with the lead, since Oct. 31, 2009 against Nashville. Says a lot about their ability to finish games, now they just have to work on those first two periods.
- Cody Eakin. Wow, just wow, this kid has been impressive! In a way it's a damn shame they don't have room for him to center a top-six line. On the other hand, once he gets a chance to play consistently with a pair of wingers and gel with them, the Stars may have an above average third line. For sure they have an above average 3C in Eakin. He's all over the ice creating opportunities for his linemates, himself, creating takeaways, and when needed laying a hit.
They have a kid with legit 2C skills and upside playing on the third line. And to Cody's credit, when he was moved down to make room for Roy, he hasn't moped over it. He's playing with the same fire and intensity he did when he was playing pivot on the second.
- The aforementioned Derek Roy has been good as well in his return. I know it's fashionable to bag on him about the injuries and all, but while Benn was out, he, Loui, and Jagr where getting it done for the Stars. Since coming back his line has been solid and once Loui fixes his aim, I look for those two to click once again and give Dallas a good one-two punch.
- A couple of statistical nuggets to finish off with. We're eleven games in and the Stars have yet to outshoot an opponent. They came close against the Oilers, 29-28, but success will be hard to find that way. And nine of the eleven games have been decided by one goal. Thank you to Kari and Co. for that.
That's all I got for now.
Last edited by NoWayOut; February 7, 2013 at 3:14 PM.
Your beer mug isn't half-empty, your just half-way to the next refill.....