That “first true test of adversity” Tyler Seguin was talking about a couple of weeks ago?
Yeah, the Dallas Stars are still taking that test.
The Stars lost 3-2 last night in Los Angeles. They’re now 1-5-2 in January. Their only victory this month came over the Jets, and they needed the shootout to get it. The last time they beat anyone in regulation was Dec. 31.
What’s going on, coach?
“I think the biggest thing is our big boys haven’t been converting,” Lindy Ruff told reporters. “It’s tough on the rest of the lineup when they’re not on the scoresheet. When they’re on the scoresheet, we’re gonna win games. They’re having a little bit of a tough time right now. I thought there was opportunities there to finish, just didn’t quite get ‘er done.”
We all know who Ruff is talking about when he says the “big boys.” Seguin has two goals and one assist in January. Jamie Benn has two goals and two assists. Not the greatest production from those two. But not exactly the worst ever, either.
Perhaps more glaring is the fact Dallas has surrendered 29 goals in January. That’s 3.6 per game. Which makes it very tough to win in the NHL.
The Stars return home to face Edmonton on Thursday.