NHL Preview: Stars
NHL Preview: Stars
By WagerWeb.com and Ecobika Free NHL Picks
2005 record: 53-23-6 (112 points)
2005 offense rank: T-10th (3.09 goals per game)
2005 defense rank: 6th (2.65 goals allowed per game)
Key Additions: RW Matthew Barnaby, C Eric Lindros, D Jaroslav Modry, D Darryl Sydor, C Patrik Stefan, C Jeff Halpern
Key Losses: C Jason Arnott, RW Bill Guerin, D Willie Mitchell, G Johan Hedberg, LW Jaroslav Svoboda, C Niko Kapanen
Overview: The Dallas Stars were forced to make some tough choices in the offseason with regards to the salary cap. With veterans Mike Modano, Sergei Zubov and Marty Turco all under long-term contracts, Dallas was forced let some valuable members of the 2005 squad leave, including its second-leading scorer in Arnott, solid RW Guerin and key defenseman Mitchell. Injury-prone centers Lindros and Halpern were acquired to compete for the second line center position. Modano led the team with 77 points last season and is the unquestioned team leader on offense. RW Jere Lehtinen (33 goals) was just given a two-year contract extension and could be a potential 40-goal scorer. Even with the loss of Mitchell, the Stars are loaded on defense. Sydor was brought back to Dallas after two seasons in Tampa Bay and will be paired with his old linemate Zubov. Janne Niinimaa and Jon Klemm are solid defenders who helped the Stars only allow 2.65 goals per game last season. Dallas rolled the dice in the offseason and gave G Turco a long-term contract. Now its up to Turco to play as well in the postseason as he does in the regular season. Mike Smith, Tobias Stephan and Dan Ellis are competing to be Turco’s backup.
WagerWeb.com odds: +1100 to win the Stanley Cup
Players to Watch: Turco has a stellar 137-62-31 regular season record, but has been disappointing in the playoffs, going 8-14. With a big money contract in his back pocket, it is time for Turco to step it up during the playoffs. Barnaby was brought in to add some toughness and grit, which will hopefully rub off on some of his linemates. Many sports betting fans are wondering if Jussi Jokinen’s 17 goals and 38 assists as a rookie were a fluke, or if he is a legitimate goal scorer.
Outlook: The Stars have all the tools on offense and defense to go deep into the playoffs. The key to their success will be Turco, who must step up his play in the postseason. Dallas should compete for the Pacific Division once again, and many sportsbooks believe the Stars are legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup. Click here to bet NHL games
About the Author: many sportsbooks believe the Stars are legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup. Click here to bet NHL games
More articles by ecobika
Print Article | Download PDF | 138 views | Oct 03 2006
|
