Post by Dallas Stars on Feb 26, 2023 15:56:29 GMT -6
It’s been a while since GM Houghton has put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard in this case). The author of the famous “Dallas Daily” has been quite the dud as of late. The good news, however, is that he’ll gladly take the heat as the dud if the team on the ice continues to play as well as they have in recent weeks.
The team is currently riding an 8-game winning streak and have a 19 point strangle hold on the Central Division (the division where all your playoff dreams CAN come true). “This is how I envisioned this team to play right from the start of the season” the GM said. “There is still a lot of hockey left, and I’m sure there will be some more bumps in the road, but I really like how the boys have come together the last little while and have played some quality hockey” he continued.
While the team wasn’t bad early on, they just weren’t clicking on all cylinders. It was about a month ago when the GM had seen enough. The team had just dropped 4 of 5, with 3 of those losses being 6-5 in nature to teams that are currently outside the playoffs. With the frustration mounting GM Houghton rolled up his sleeves and made a series of moves and so far, they have turned out to be the right ones. Big off-season acquisition Ryan Johansen was the first one shown the door as he struggled to live up to his potential with the Stars. Mostly used in a 3C roll, he saw different opportunities all over the line-up but struggled to create much offense no matter where he played. Along with this was his free agency demands, which were much too rich for the Stars. He was shipped to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Alex Killorn, a pick, and a prospect. Killorn has hit the ground running with the Stars picking up 9 pts in 8 games while seeing time on the PP and PK as well.
Following this big trade, Houghton kept the changes coming. Packing their bags next was Wayne Simmonds (traded to Vegas) and Sam Gagner (traded to San Jose) in exchange for a couple of draft picks. With roster space now available, the team brought in some truculence acquiring Austin Watson and Tyler “The Magicstick” Pitlick from the Minnesota Wild. Pitlick has missed a few games with injury, but both have players have done a good job in their 4th line rolls while also seeing some time on the PK.
Coincidently or not, it has been since these series of trades that the team has picked up their play and have gone on an 8-game heater. The recent hot play has all but ensured a playoff spot and possibly the teams first division title. The only thing stopping this would be an historic collapse which GM Houghton’s teams have been known for doing (at least in the playoffs anyway). The possible reward for winning the division you ask? Well…facing the 4th place Pacific division team which will end up with more points than your Stars! I’m soooooo glad you asked.
With the team playing well and no immediate needs on the roster (MAYBE a goalie), it leaves many wondering what moves, if any, the GM might make as the trade deadline approached. Then there is the question of what to do with the teams many pending free agents, but that’s for, perhaps, a Dallas Daily or two
.
The team is currently riding an 8-game winning streak and have a 19 point strangle hold on the Central Division (the division where all your playoff dreams CAN come true). “This is how I envisioned this team to play right from the start of the season” the GM said. “There is still a lot of hockey left, and I’m sure there will be some more bumps in the road, but I really like how the boys have come together the last little while and have played some quality hockey” he continued.
While the team wasn’t bad early on, they just weren’t clicking on all cylinders. It was about a month ago when the GM had seen enough. The team had just dropped 4 of 5, with 3 of those losses being 6-5 in nature to teams that are currently outside the playoffs. With the frustration mounting GM Houghton rolled up his sleeves and made a series of moves and so far, they have turned out to be the right ones. Big off-season acquisition Ryan Johansen was the first one shown the door as he struggled to live up to his potential with the Stars. Mostly used in a 3C roll, he saw different opportunities all over the line-up but struggled to create much offense no matter where he played. Along with this was his free agency demands, which were much too rich for the Stars. He was shipped to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Alex Killorn, a pick, and a prospect. Killorn has hit the ground running with the Stars picking up 9 pts in 8 games while seeing time on the PP and PK as well.
Following this big trade, Houghton kept the changes coming. Packing their bags next was Wayne Simmonds (traded to Vegas) and Sam Gagner (traded to San Jose) in exchange for a couple of draft picks. With roster space now available, the team brought in some truculence acquiring Austin Watson and Tyler “The Magicstick” Pitlick from the Minnesota Wild. Pitlick has missed a few games with injury, but both have players have done a good job in their 4th line rolls while also seeing some time on the PK.
Coincidently or not, it has been since these series of trades that the team has picked up their play and have gone on an 8-game heater. The recent hot play has all but ensured a playoff spot and possibly the teams first division title. The only thing stopping this would be an historic collapse which GM Houghton’s teams have been known for doing (at least in the playoffs anyway). The possible reward for winning the division you ask? Well…facing the 4th place Pacific division team which will end up with more points than your Stars! I’m soooooo glad you asked.
With the team playing well and no immediate needs on the roster (MAYBE a goalie), it leaves many wondering what moves, if any, the GM might make as the trade deadline approached. Then there is the question of what to do with the teams many pending free agents, but that’s for, perhaps, a Dallas Daily or two
.
