Stars Seek Improvement Ahead of Home Opener Against Wild
UPDATE: The Dallas Stars are gearing up for their highly anticipated home opener against the Minnesota Wild on October 17, 2023, with head coach Glen Gulutzan emphasizing the need for greater competition despite a promising 2-0 start.
In a practice session that took place yesterday, Gulutzan pushed players through intense drills aimed at enhancing their battle for puck possession. “It’s a little race off the wall and compete at the end of the day,” he stated, underscoring the importance of physical engagement as the team prepares to face their rivals.
While the Stars celebrated victories against the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche, the games highlighted areas needing improvement. The team initially surged to a 5-1 lead against Winnipeg but allowed two late goals, showcasing defensive vulnerabilities. In Colorado, Dallas was heavily outshot 39-22, relying on goaltender Jake Oettinger for a standout performance with 35 saves that ultimately led to a shootout win.
Veteran forward Matt Duchene expressed mixed feelings about their record, stating, “It definitely feels more like we’re 1-1 than 2-0,” indicating a need for the team to maintain focus and avoid complacency.
Gulutzan, who returns to the Stars bench after his departure in 2013, has injected a new energy into the team. “He’s brought a lot of really good energy and a really good message to our group,” Duchene added. The coach’s approach is already paying off, with seven different players finding the net so far, including Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson, each contributing two goals.
The stakes are high as the Stars aim to build on their early success while addressing their shortcomings. Gulutzan noted, “We’re going to have a game this year where we’re going to out-shoot, out-chance an opponent and not come out with anything. The hockey gods even these things out.”
As the Stars prepare to take the ice tonight at 7:30 PM CDT, fans are eager to see if the team can not only secure another win but also demonstrate the improvements needed to compete at a higher level this season.
Stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds!
