The Wraparound: Dallas Stars Improvements Before Playoffs The Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/] have been one of the most impressive teams over their last 20 games, amassing an impressive record of 15-4-1. During that time Dallas has carried a plus-minus of +21, thoroughly dominating their opponent offensively and defensively. Besides amassing an NHL second-best seven game winnings streaks, the most impressive thing Dallas has done over the last month has that they have accomplished all this while having to endure a stretch of injuries. Tyler Seguin [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/tyler-seguin-8475794] and Nils Lundkvist [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/nils-lundkvist-8480878] were both sidelined for the remainder of the season after being placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve, while Miro Heiskanen [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/miro-heiskanen-8480036]was just placed on injured received after going down with an knee injury during a matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 28th. Not all has been bad as Mason Marchment [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/mason-marchment-8478975] returned to the lineup the other night after missing the previous 17 games due to a facial injury. Over their most recent 20-game stretch, the Dallas Stars have proven not only that they are one of the best teams in the NHL, but that they can rise to any occasion regardless of the circumstances. Not only does this show that they are a legitimate contender for Lord Stanley, but also that they are playoff ready. At the time of writing the Stars currently rank third in the NHL with 69 points [https://www.nhl.com/stars/standings/2025-02-03/wildcard], placing them nine points away from the President's Trophy. Despite losing some key players, Dallas is in the midst of a five game winning streak while being a stone's throw outside of first place in the Central Division. The schedule for Dallas does not grant any reprieve as they embark out to California for a three-game road trip. The game Dallas brings with them into the upcoming road-trip is a "next man up" mentality, which in the long run will play into their favor against some of the prospective foes in the Western Conference. On top of the recent additions of Mikael Granlund [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/mikael-granlund-8475798] and Cody Ceci [https://www.nhl.com/stars/player/cody-ceci-8476879], the Stars will have Miro Heiskanen potentially back for the playoffs, giving Dallas a plethora of depth. If Tyler Seguin can race back by for the playoffs, then head coach Pete DeBoer will have almost an embarrassment of riches heading into the latter part of April. When the roster comes together, the Stars, as well as Pete DeBoer will remember not only to keep their resilience, but also hopefully stay healthy. Stars fans will have to remember that while champions are crowned in the playoffs, they are made in the regular season.
