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NASHVILLE — A week ago, the Dallas Stars exited a vicious stretch with some big wins and had three days to ponder just how well things were going.
This week, the introspection might be a little deeper.After a third-period breakdown en route to a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators at Sommet Center, Dallas received a harsh dose of reality in a confusing week. Toronto, Florida and Nashville entered the week with some of the worst stats and records in the NHL, and yet each took points out of the Stars, who got progressively worse in the standings. Dallas had to rally to beat last-place Toronto in overtime Wednesday, had to rally to overcome a Florida team that ranked 28th or lower in just about every league category on Friday and then gave up three third-period goals to a Nashville team that was dead last in scoring and wasn’t even averaging two goals per game."We got away with a point with Florida, and we got away with two points against Toronto," defenseman Stephane Robidas said. "But we’ve got to realize we have to get a 60-minute effort and outwork teams if we want to win consistently."Consistency was a key word for the Stars, as they seemed to have different problems all week. They couldn’t stop the opposing power play when they needed it against Toronto and couldn’t score with the man advantage when they needed it against Florida and Nashville. They got behind early against the Panthers and then couldn’t protect a 2-1 lead in the third against the Predators.The Stars were playing their third game in four nights and were missing Marty Turco (flu-like symptoms), Mike Modano (ribs) and Jere Lehtinen (intercostal muscle). They also were playing backup goalie Alex Auld on back-to-back nights for the first time this season. But Auld was actually better Saturday than he was Friday and had several strong saves in the third period. The Stars just got caught in too many mistakes on the defensive end."I think it’s important that we don’t get caught in the rut where bad habits are costing us," Auld said. "I think we got away with it some games, and got some points, but you have to follow good habits and do the right thing."Stars coach Marc Crawford said that while the team is testing its depth and fitness, players also need to understand how to play smart in back-to-back situations."I understand that not everybody is going to feel 100 percent, but when you don’t feel 100 percent, you have to know the certain things you have to do all of the time," Crawford said. "That involves protecting the puck, putting it in good areas, and then when you don’t have it, defending the real good areas. Those are things we know, and we recognize and we’ll work on."And if this week shows anything, it’s that the Stars do have things to work on. Dallas is now 6-3-5, good for 17 points in 14 games (or .607 in points gained) and has another three-day break to rest and reflect. But it faces a much tougher run this week with Calgary and Vancouver coming to town.ONLINE: dallasstars.com
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