Stars beat Blues : Takeaways, analysis, and Stars of the game
Game Recap: Stars shine again
Dallas traveled to St. Louis today to take on the Blues. It was another goal-fest for the Stars as they ended the game with 5 on the score sheet.
First Period: The Stars finally started fast! In the first period against Colorado and Minnesota the Stars struggled mightily. Luckily today that wasn’t the case. Ilya Lyubushkin got the scoring started with a deflected wrist-shot. Lyubushkin has been playing out of his mind this preseason. Results like this make a clear case for him to be starting on the team during the regular season. His offensive presence from defense cannot be overstated. Not to be outdone by Lyubushkin; Wyatt Johnston bagged another goal in this game. A beautiful wrist-shot, assisted by Miro Heiskanen, helped Johnston grab his 3rd goal of the preseason. Unfortunately a lapse in the defense led to a Dylan Holloway goal 13 minutes into the 1st. 2-1 Stars at the end of the period.
Second Period: The Stars defense absolutely shined in the second period. Goalkeeper Casey DeSmith came up with massive saves as Blues pressure mounted. This period remained goalless through 15 minutes, but was easily the most entertaining. The Blues did an amazing job at forcing odd-man rushes that were all stifled by the Stars defense. One of these rushes eventually led to a Philip Broberg wrap-around shot leading to a Blues goal. However, the Stars responded. Not two minutes later the former Blue Radek Faksa responded with a Wrist-shot, restoring the Stars lead. There were also several uncharacteristic giveaways by the Stars offense. 3-2 Stars at the end of the period.
Third Period: As most Stars games are, the third period started off quick. 1 minute into the period Tyler Seguin flicked a Wrist-shot towards goal, giving the Stars a two goal lead. From there the game stalled, with each team exchanges zone time and hits. Dylan Holloway nabbed another goal in the game, but it wasn’t enough. With time running down Jason Robertson flings the puck towards an empty net, putting the nail in the Blues coffin. Final: Stars 5 Blues 3
Analysis: A mixed bag
The stat sheet tells a different story than the film did. The Blues out hit the Stars 16 to 34, and won 53% of face-offs against a good face-off unit. However, in more important stats the Stars dominated. 30 shots to the Blues 24, and only 6 giveaways to the Blues 11. The film was a very telling story. It was not even at all. Besides several minutes throughout the 2nd period, where DeSmith excelled, the Stars dominated the ice. Johnston, Seguin, Bourque, Lyubushkin, and co all dominated.
Stars of the Game: Familiar Faces
Star 1: Tyler Seguin. The assistant captain had a three point game tonight. One goal and two assists showcased the 33 year olds dominance once again. He has been electric this preseason with 5 assists of his own. If Seguin can continue this form into the season the Stars second line will be firing on all cylinders.
Star 2: Wyatt Johnston. I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. Johnston excelled once again in the preseason. One goal and one assist in today’s game. Johnston once again showcased why he deserves to be talked about as the youngster in the league. His poise in space as a 22 year old is uncanny, and hes only getting better. Wyatt is on a line with Mavrik Borque and Justin Hryckowian, which could become the best 3rd line in the league.
Star 3: Casey DeSmith. I mentioned this earlier, but DeSmith was lights out when the Stars needed him most. It’s unsettling to see a goalie who let in 3 goals. However, hear me out. DeSmiths heroics in the 2nd period, when the Stars needed him most, absolutely demands a Star of the game selection. When the Stars stumbled DeSmith was there to catch them.
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