The Dallas Stars are starting to look like themselves again - and not a moment too soon.
After a rough stretch that saw them drop 10 of 12 games, Dallas has bounced back with three wins in their last four outings. The offense has come alive with 13 goals over that span, while the defense has tightened up, allowing just eight. It's not perfection, but it's progress - and in a tightly contested Western Conference, every step forward matters.
Now comes a major test: a road tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights, a team that, despite a recent slide, still sits atop the Pacific Division. Vegas has lost four of its last five, so both squads enter this game looking to reclaim momentum. For Dallas, this is more than just a chance to keep climbing the standings - it’s an opportunity to prove their resurgence is real.
Offense Finding Its Groove
One of the biggest reasons for the Stars’ recent uptick? Balanced scoring.
Over the last four games, eight different players have found the back of the net. That kind of depth is exactly what Dallas needs to stay competitive down the stretch.
At the heart of that offensive revival is Matt Duchene. The 35-year-old veteran, who led the team in scoring last season, got off to a slow start this year - just four goals and 11 assists through his first 26 games. But there’s now some clarity around that sluggish start: Duchene was returning from a concussion, and it clearly took time for him to find his rhythm again.
He’s found it now.
Duchene scored against the Blues last Friday, then followed it up with a two-goal performance in Tuesday’s rematch in St. Louis. If this is the version of Duchene Dallas gets moving forward, their offense just got a whole lot more dangerous.
Hryckowian’s Rise Continues
Then there’s Justin Hryckowian - a name that might not have been on many fans’ radars at the start of the season, but one that's quickly becoming hard to ignore.
The 24-year-old forward has taken the long road to the NHL. Undrafted out of Northeastern, he earned a contract with the Texas Stars in the AHL and made the most of his opportunity, racking up 60 points in 67 games last season. That earned him a call-up, and this year, he’s carved out a regular role in Dallas.
Hryckowian has posted eight goals and nine assists through 52 games, showing he can contribute in a middle- or bottom-six role. But he’s also shown flashes of top-line potential - like in Tuesday’s game against the Bruins, where he notched a goal and two assists while skating alongside Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen.
The Stars clearly believe in his upside - they just signed him to a two-year extension worth $1.9 million. It’s a savvy move for a player who’s proving he can be more than just a depth piece.
Defensive Backbone and Trade Buzz
While the offense is starting to click, the defense deserves its share of credit, too. The Stars have tightened up in their own zone, and that’s been key to their recent success.
Still, with the trade deadline looming, Dallas could look to reinforce that blue line even further. There’s chatter about a potential move for a top-four defenseman - and maybe even an additional forward to keep the scoring depth rolling.
Vegas Brings the Firepower
Dallas will need every bit of that improved play against a Golden Knights team stacked with talent. Even with their recent skid, Vegas remains one of the most dangerous teams in the league - especially up front.
Mark Stone has been red-hot lately, tallying 13 goals and 12 assists in his last 18 games. He and Jack Eichel anchor a top line that can tilt the ice in a hurry. Add in Mitch Marner at center and Pavel Dorofeyev’s sniper touch on the second line, and you’ve got a group that can score in waves.
And it doesn’t stop there. The third line - Tomas Hertl, Ivan Barbashev, and Keegan Kolesar - might be the best bottom-six unit in the league. They bring scoring, grit, and defensive responsibility, making them a matchup nightmare.
On the back end, Vegas boasts a blue line that’s as good as any in the NHL. Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin are elite in transition, and the recent addition of Rasmus Andersson only adds to their depth and versatility.
Between the Pipes
In net, Jake Oettinger is expected to get the call for Dallas. He’s had success against Vegas in the past, sporting a 6-2-2 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 10 career games versus the Golden Knights. If he’s locked in, the Stars will have a fighting chance.
For Vegas, Adin Hill is the likely starter. His numbers this season haven’t been as sharp - a 3.53 GAA and .855 save percentage - but he’s been solid historically against Dallas, with a 3-4-1 record and a .908 save percentage in eight games.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just a midseason matchup between two playoff-caliber teams. It’s a measuring stick.
For Dallas, it’s a chance to show that their recent surge is more than a blip - that they’re ready to reassert themselves as a contender in the West. For Vegas, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and remind everyone why they’re still the team to beat in the Pacific.
Two teams. One big stage. Momentum on the line.
Buckle up.