After a hot October, are the Dallas Stars a legit threat in the West?

Conversations at the start of any professional sports’ season typically consist of a lot of “Can this team rebound from a slow start?” or “Can that team keep up a hot streak?”

The latter has been used a lot recently in regards to the Dallas Stars, who currently lead the Central Division with a 9-2-0 record and are dominating the Western Conference with 18 points in 11 games played.

It doesn’t seem fair to dismiss such a good start to the season from a team with scoring titans Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. However, despite having accumulated so many stellar parts and promising success, Dallas has been a ”bubble team” the last several seasons, and missed out on the playoffs late in their last campaign.

Now, with their best start in franchise history it’s fair to ask as November hockey gets underway: Are the Stars legit? Can they keep up this pace?

If the offense keeps rolling the way it is, there is  no reason to think otherwise. In addition to the scoring stylings of Benn and Seguin, newly-acquired Patrick Sharp has added an offensive punch with five points in his last three contests. Jason Spezza has been a force on the team’s second line with five goals and assists each on the season, and Dallas’ third and fourth lines have produced goals and created depth. In addition to scoring at even strength, the Stars special teams have been on fire, tied for third in the league with 10 power play goals. Keeping up this pace is paramount to remaining a legit threat.

The importance of the offense also takes pressure of the goaltending. There has been a lot made of Antti Niemi  being an improvement over Kari Lehtonen. However, Niemi has surrendered three goals in his last four contests, which is the kiss of death for teams going through scoring droughts. It goes without saying that putting the puck in the back of the net will continue to be paramount, but even more so if the starting netminder is giving up multiple goals a game.

Not that all the pressure is between the pipes, since Dallas does have a defense that has been clicking on all cylinders. Scoring defenseman John Klingberg has been a productive alongside Alex Goligoski and former Blackhawk  Johnny Oduya  is finding success paired with Jason Demers. The blue line's symmetry helps give Dallas’ offense some extra cushion.

Frankly, this could be the season for the Dallas Stars. Remaining a legit threat could be a matter of keeping their collective feet—or, skates—pressed heavily on the gas pedal.