As Stars Thrive On Three-Game Win Streak, It's Dallas' Defense That's Their Biggest Strength

Going into the current NHL regular season, the Dallas Stars were a popular pick to do great damage this year in large part due to their offense. But on their current three-game win streak – including a 2-1 win over the highly-competitive Minnesota Wild Saturday – it’s been the Stars’ defense that has stepped up and shown opponents Dallas isn’t to be messed with.

To be sure, in the Stars’ current three-game win streak, they’ve twice held the other team to just a single goal, and in the other game, they allowed only two goals. And this isn’t a new development; in 10 of Dallas’ 11 wins this year, they’ve kept opponents to two goals or fewer, and in six of those games, the Stars allowed one goal or fewer.

Related: Stars Defenseman Shining Bright

It’s no wonder Dallas has the NHL’s best defense at only 2.25 goals-against per-game, nor is it shocking that they have the fifth-best penalty-kill at 85.4 percent efficiency. The Stars were a top-10 in the league team in both those categories this past season, but Dallas has improved in each regard, and they deserve credit for that improvement.

In the Stars’ five losses this year, they’ve allowed four goals or more three times, and their offense hasn’t been able to bail them out on those occasions. But when Dallas is clicking on all pistons, look out – they’re one of the most dangerous teams on the planet. And although their offense is still something to reckon with – they’re a top-10 team in the league at 3.38 goals-for per-game – the Stars understand defense is what wins games, particularly in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The fact the Stars are so well-constructed in so many areas shouldn’t distract from their greatest strength, which is defense. Dallas coach Peter DeBoer already has his team in end-of-season form, and the Stars’ upcoming games include “gimme” games against Anaheim, San Jose and Chicago – so don’t be surprised when Dallas stifles their opponent’s offense and continues to be the league’s best defensive squad. The Stars are a defensive leviathan, and they’re likely to stay that way all season long.

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