Despite a ninth loss in 11 games, the Stars show penalty-kill progress. But even-strength scoring remains a persistent challenge as they eye potential roster shake-ups.
The Dallas Stars’ recent struggles continued Thursday night with a 2–1 loss to the Utah Mammoth, marking their ninth defeat in the last 11 games. While the result extended a troubling skid, the game also showed signs of progress in areas that had plagued the club in recent weeks.
One of the most notable improvements came on the penalty kill. Entering the game, Dallas owned a league-worst penalty-killing percentage during the skid, a weakness that had repeatedly swung momentum against them. Against Utah, however, the Stars successfully killed all three Mammoth power plays, keeping the game within reach until the final horn.
Special teams also accounted for Dallas’ lone goal, as the Stars once again struggled to generate offense at even strength. They failed to score five-on-five, leaving the power play responsible for their only tally of the night. The lack of even-strength production has become a growing concern, with Dallas managing just three such goals over its past three games.
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The Stars have largely been trading one issue for another during the skid, improving in areas like the penalty kill while seeing new problems emerge, particularly at even strength. While there is confidence that the team can work through its current struggles internally, potential roster moves could also play a role.
Reports linking Dallas to Calgary defenseman Rasmus Andersson and forward Blake Coleman suggest the organization may be exploring ways to refresh the lineup and spark a turnaround as the season progresses.
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