After their elimination in the second round of the playoffs last spring in a thrilling game-seven double overtime contest against the Stanley Cup Champions, the Dallas Stars were expected to be a lethal team in the league this year. The Stars started their season losing seven of their first eight games, but have since improved their record to 8-8-1. The hockey world is wondering: will the Stars be able to be a Stanley Cup contender?

The Stars had a busy offseason. They acquired all-star forward Joe Pavelski, former captain of the San Jose Sharks, who ended last year with 38 goals. Pavelski has had five assists and three goals since joining the Stars, which isn’t what most people expected the veteran player would bring to the team. The Stars also signed right winger Corey Perry and defenseman Andrej Sekera. Perry didn’t play his first game until October 16, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, due to a foot injury he endured before training camp. Sekera has had trouble adjusting to the coaching style of Jim Montgomery and Joe Pavelski hasn’t been tipping in pucks like he did as a Shark. The first month of the season is behind us, and we’re still waiting for these celebrated summer acquisitions to make an impact. 

Multiple injuries have also taken a toll on the team. The season began with a horrific start, as three players were injured within the first 30 minutes of the game. The scariest one happening to defensman Roman Polak when he rammed his head into the boards. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher and immediately sent to the hospital. He has been recovering and is expected to return to the lineup soon. The Stars leading goal scorer Roope Hintz has a lower body injury and will not return to the lineup for two weeks. All-Star defenseman, John Klingberg, also has a lower body injury and will miss at least two weeks. 

Injuries are beyond anyone’s control, but the lack of focus and consistent effort from top paid players is unacceptable. The Stars’ amount of shots on goal are extremely low, and the team needs to stop worrying about getting the perfect shot and just get more pucks to the net. The leaders of this team haven’t been fulfilling their roles. Captain Jamie Benn has one goal this season. The same amount as Jason Dickinson, who hasn’t even been in the lineup every game. Tyler Seguin only has three goals. Benn and Seguin both have an over 9 million AAV, being the Stars highest paid players on long term contracts. Maybe it is time for Jamie Benn, who has been the Stars’ captain for the past six seasons, to give the C on his jersey to someone else who can become more of a leader on the ice? Even with the Stars winning streak, the team’s leaders need to step up with all of the team’s injuries, to be able to keep their playoff hopes alive.