The Dallas Stars start the season against the Nashville Predators with both teams looking to improve from playoff seasons in the Central Division. The Stars 46-30-6 last year to secure a wild card spot but lost in the First Round against the Calgary Flames in seven games. The Predators meanwhile are looking to build off their wild card appearance last year and have already started the season out 2-0 with two strong victories in the Global Series. Both teams are looking to kick off the season running and more importantly, improve their record within the division.
The Stars reached the playoffs last year but their offense was a liability, to say the least, scoring only 2.84 goals per game. While Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Joe Pavelski combined for 105 goals and 127 assists to lead the top two lines, the rest of the offense struggled. The hope is that the later lines can step up and add depth to an otherwise top-heavy offense and veterans Tyle Seguin and Jamie Benn are looking to bounce back as a result.
While the offense struggled, the defense carried the Stars to the playoffs, allowing only 2.98 goals per game. Esa Lindell and Ryan Suter led the top pairing with 9.9 defensive point shares and 236 blocked shots but the rest of the unit also stepped up with Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpaa creating turnovers and limiting shots on the net. Moreover, goaltender Jake Oettinger had a breakout season in the net and looks to build off a year where he had a&#x A0;.914 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average on 1331 shots.