The Dallas Stars State of "Things," 2024
Closing the book and starting a new one for '24-25 as we press ahead on what is next.
I wanted to write one of these each for the Stars and the Mavericks before we have to turn the page to the new year. I am down to just a few days, so I better do one today and one for the Mavericks by the weekend.
We wanted to let the dust settle and the wounds heal before we looked back, but the Stanley Cup was handed out last night, so it is time.
The 2024 Stanley Cup did not come to Dallas, but rather to Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers won 16 post-season games, while the Edmonton Oilers won 15 and fell just short. Dallas won 10, which is a lot and very difficult to do, but also six huge wins away from winning the whole thing and closing the deal. It is every bit of so close, yet so far away.
So, today, let’s put a finishing look on the Dallas Stars and then ponder where to go from here.
HOW THEY DID:
We are constantly told that the playoffs come down to goaltending and special teams.
Well, they are closely tied and married together for sure, but I am willing to maintain my premise—which might cause a brawl to begin this piece—that Jake Oettinger is good enough to win four rounds of playoff hockey and to win a Stanley Cup. I realize that has as much proof and evidence as saying Dak Prescott is good enough to win a Super Bowl, but as you probably know, I also believe that.
There is a difference between being the best and being good enough to be a strong contributing part of a championship team. I believe Jake (and Dak) are easily in the latter categories.
But, with that in mind, here are Bob’s three reasons the Stars didn’t win the Cup this year:
Their best players were not good enough often enough.
Special teams badly betrayed them.
Home ice advantage was nothing close to that.