This is the first of hopefully many blog posts that I’ve entitled Ryan’s MTs (Major Takeaways). I plan on doing this for every single Stars’ game, but we’ll see! Anyways, to the takeaways for the game against the Kings.
Stars Looked Flat
I don’t have a ton of statistical evidence to back this up, but this was definitely an eye test takeaway. As the game went on, the Stars appeared to always be a step slower than the Kings. In the Stars’ defense, the Kings had four days off before this game. However, the Stars also had two days off and it was frustrating because they have been playing so well consistently the past several weeks.
If you really want a stat, you can look at the shots on goal per period. Typically (but not always), whichever team has more shots had the better period. This game follows that script.
Stars Lost A Couple Of Surprising Stats’ Battles
Considering this team is top four in the NHL right now in both power play and penalty kill, this is an item I’m sure won’t be said/typed/written very much. Nonetheless, the Stars went 0-3 on the power play while LA went 1-3. That’s not that big a deal, but when they had an opportunity to cash in on the power play to tie the game, the power play fell flat on it’s face. Nothing really to complain about on the penalty kill other than I wish Suter hadn’t tried to post up at the defensive zone blue line.
The Stars lost the face off battle tonight which is extremely surprising by a 57% to 43% margin. Not only did they lose it, but by a significant margin. Since the Monty era began and maybe even before that, the Stars have consistently done well in the face off circle. Even looking at individuals is startling; Pavelski at 25% and Glendening at 18%! Wow! Ouch!
Not Really All That Upset
It’s not much of a takeaway, but I’m not really all that upset about this loss. Of course, I thought they could’ve played better, but no team in history is going to go 82-0-0.
They have been playing fantastic, consistent hockey throughout a majority of this season. They were on a four game winning streak before tonight, they’re 1st in the Central Division with a three point cushion, and they’re second in the Western conference with a game in hand on the Golden Knights.
How could I possibly be upset right now?
After Thoughts
Just a side note, my prayers are with the family of Damar Hamlin. Watching the incident occur, I couldn’t help but think of the Rich Peverley incident from several years ago. Once again, my prayers are with him and his family.
