“Strive to be better than you were yesterday.”
— James Gordon
The Dallas Stars can certainly strive to be better than they were yesterday.
Last season, Dallas advanced to the Western Conference Final but fell in six games against the top-seeded and eventual Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. I predicted the Stars would win in six games, which made me the butt of people’s jokes, but the six-game series went in the Golden Knights’ favor. Though I was satisfied with the Stars’ efforts to live another day, I understand why some fans aren’t happy with the team’s attempts.
Now let me look at both sides as one might answer the much-anticipated question, “Will the Dallas Stars win the Stanley Cup this year?”
Why They’ll Win the Stanley Cup
The Stars have a good, if not great, mix of veterans and young players. The first line of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston will excel and overcome any setbacks they may have. The Stars’ depth scoring will be all right in front of a good goalie, Jake Oettinger, who plays for a good team. Also, Pete DeBoer is an experienced head coach who has carried the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 and 2016, respectively. The Stars can come out of the Western Conference victorious in 2024.
Why They Won’t Win the Stanley Cup
The Stars rely more than they should on their first line of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston, like last year when they relied on Joe Pavelski’s line with Robertson and Hintz, also known as the Pavelski and Sons line. Of course, the young players are crucial to the Stars’ success, but they might slow down due to physical and mental health reasons. The Stars need more from the veterans than Matt Duchene’s phenomenal play, but also Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin’s offensive sparks (and hopefully, Benn won’t get suspended for a cross-check again).
Final Thoughts
The Stars will make the Stanley Cup Final but lose to their Eastern Conference opponent in six games.
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