Three Key Adjustments the Dallas Stars Must Make for a Deep Playoff Run
The Dallas Stars pulled off a dramatic win last night, with Jason Robertson delivering in the clutch-burying a goal in the final minute of regulation. It was the kind of moment that can spark momentum, but it also masked some of the lingering issues that have been holding this team back.
Despite sitting in a solid position in the standings, the Stars haven’t looked like a team ready to make a serious postseason push. And if they want to avoid another early exit, some things need to change-fast.
Here are three critical adjustments Dallas needs to make to get back on track and stay there when the stakes get higher.
1. Smarter Puck Decisions
The Stars have been guilty of trying to force the issue offensively-and not in the good, aggressive way. Too often, players are looking for highlight-reel moments instead of making the simple, high-percentage play.
In a sport where one misstep can turn into a goal the other way, puck management matters. A lot.
There have been times when key players like Roope Hintz and others have tried to do too much on their own, opting for a tough-angle shot instead of dishing to an open teammate. That kind of tunnel vision might pad the stat sheet on a good night, but it won’t win playoff games. The Stars need to recommit to smart, team-first hockey-making the extra pass, supporting the puck, and keeping possession in high-leverage moments.
This team has too much talent to be undone by careless turnovers or missed opportunities due to overcomplication. Cleaning up their decision-making with the puck is step one in tightening up their overall game.
2. Give the Goalies Some Breathing Room
Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith have been doing their part between the pipes. Both have come up with key saves in tight games, keeping Dallas within striking distance even when the offense has sputtered. But they can’t do it alone.
The Stars need to give their goaltenders more goal support. That means finishing chances, capitalizing on power plays, and taking some of the pressure off in close games. It also means cutting down on defensive breakdowns that leave Oettinger and DeSmith exposed to high-danger chances.
Hockey’s a team game, and that includes defense. If the Stars want to make a serious playoff run, they need to tighten up in their own zone and make sure their netminders aren’t left hanging out to dry. A little goal cushion goes a long way when you’re grinding through a best-of-seven series.
3. Bring the Physical Edge
This one’s simple: the Stars need to play meaner hockey.
The postseason is a different animal. Skill matters, but so does grit.
Right now, teams like Minnesota and Colorado are built to wear you down over a seven-game series. If the Stars want to survive that kind of gauntlet, they need to bring the body early and often.
That doesn’t mean reckless hits or taking dumb penalties. It means finishing checks, battling hard in the corners, and making life miserable for opposing forwards trying to set up shop in front of the net. Physicality isn’t just about brute force-it’s about sending a message that you’re not going to be pushed around.
If Dallas doesn’t have enough of that edge on the roster right now, the trade deadline is the time to fix it. A well-timed addition with some snarl could be the difference between a first-round exit and a trip to the Western Conference Final.
The Clock Is Ticking
There’s still time for the Stars to course-correct. The talent is there, the goaltending is solid, and the top-end players have proven they can deliver in big moments-just like Robertson did last night. But if Dallas keeps skating the way they have lately, they’re not going to last long once the postseason hits.
Other teams in the West are already gearing up for the grind. It’s time for the Stars to do the same. Because if they don’t make these adjustments soon, they won’t be chasing a Cup-they’ll be chasing tee times.