Stars Snap Skid with 3-2 Win Over Blues, But Physical Concerns Persist
The Dallas Stars got what they needed Thursday night at the American Airlines Center-a win. After a frustrating loss in Columbus the night before, the Stars bounced back with a 3-2 victory over the St.
Louis Blues. It wasn’t perfect, but it was gritty, timely, and just enough to halt a budding losing streak before it could snowball.
Still, while the scoreboard tilted in Dallas’ favor, the performance left a few lingering questions-especially when it comes to physicality and playoff readiness. Let’s break down the key takeaways from a win that was as much about what went right as it was about what still needs fixing.
1. Wyatt Johnston, the Power Play Energizer
If there’s a spark plug on this Stars roster, it's Wyatt Johnston. The 20-year-old continues to carve out his space in front of the net on the man advantage, and once again, his instincts paid off. Johnston opened the scoring with a power play goal that showcased exactly why he’s become such a weapon in that role-quick hands, smart positioning, and a nose for the puck in tight spaces.
He’s not just contributing; he’s rewriting the power play blueprint in Dallas. At the pace he’s on, Johnston could very well topple some long-standing franchise records by season’s end.
And while Mike Modano’s name sits atop many of those lists, you get the sense he’d be the first to tip his cap to the next generation. Johnston’s impact on the power play isn’t just a hot streak-it’s becoming a cornerstone of the Stars’ offensive identity.
2. Power Play Punch Returns
Special teams have been a bit of a rollercoaster for Dallas this season, but Thursday night offered a glimpse of what this unit is capable of when things click. The Stars went 2-for-5 on the power play, with goals from Johnston and Matt Duchene, seizing momentum at key moments.
That kind of efficiency is exactly what Dallas needs heading into the Olympic break. With the league tightening up and playoff races heating up, power play production becomes a difference-maker. For a team that’s had its ups and downs, seeing the puck move crisply and find the back of the net on the man advantage was a welcome sight-and one they’ll need to replicate consistently in the second half of the season.
3. A Much-Needed Moment for Matt Duchene
It’s been a grind for Matt Duchene. Since returning from a concussion, he’s been working to regain his rhythm-and more importantly, his vision-on the ice.
So when he buried a power play goal in the second period to tie the game, it was more than just a tally on the scoresheet. It was a moment of relief, validation, and maybe even a turning point.
Duchene’s still finding his form, but that goal could be the confidence jolt he’s been searching for. The Stars don’t just need his veteran presence-they need his scoring touch. If Thursday was a sign of things to come, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
4. Physicality Still a Red Flag
Here’s the elephant in the room: once again, the Stars were outhit-and not by a little. For the second straight game, Dallas was outmuscled to the tune of a 20+ hit deficit. That’s not just a stat; it’s a warning sign.
This team has speed, skill, and structure. But come playoff time, especially in the Western Conference gauntlet, finesse alone won’t cut it.
Teams like Minnesota and Colorado bring the kind of heavy, grinding style that punishes opponents over seven-game series. If the Stars can’t match that intensity physically, they’ll be in trouble.
The absence of physical presence is becoming a trend, and not a good one. The hope is that once players like Lian Bichsel return to the lineup, some of that edge will return. But right now, it’s a glaring hole in an otherwise solid performance.
Looking Ahead
The win over St. Louis was a step in the right direction.
It stopped the bleeding, gave the power play a boost, and offered a feel-good moment for a player who needed it. But it also underscored some of the challenges this team still faces-particularly when it comes to playing with the kind of edge required to survive the postseason grind.
Dallas heads to St. Louis for a rematch on Tuesday, and with the Olympic break looming, it’s another chance to tighten things up and build some momentum.
The Stars got the result they wanted Thursday night. Now it’s about building on it-and bringing some bite to match the bark.