Why the Dallas Stars Might Be in Trouble Before November Even Starts

The Dallas Stars' full regular season schedule is out, and one thing is clear, their first ten games could define how the season unfolds.

October will be no warm-up period, with six home games and four on the road, and eight of the ten opponents coming off playoff appearances last year.

For a team under new head coach Glen Gulutzan, there is little room for a slow start.

The opening night challenge comes on October 9, a road trip to Winnipeg where Dallas has long struggled. Facing Connor Hellebuyck, fresh off winning the Vezina and Hart Trophies could easily set the tone.

Two days later, they head to Colorado for a meeting with the Avalanche, where Mikko Rantanen returns as a Dallas Star, a fact Avs fans will be reminded of all too quickly.

The Dallas Stars' opening stretch pits them against Winnipeg, Colorado, and six other playoff teams in their first ten games

Dallas finally opens its home schedule on October 14 against the Minnesota Wild in a nationally televised late-night clash.

The schedule doesn't ease up, as their first five games include four playoff teams, followed by visits from Columbus, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Carolina Hurricanes both conference finalists.

The stretch wraps up with a back-to-back against Nashville and a marquee game on October 28, when Alexander Ovechkin plays his final game in Dallas before retiring.

As a fan, I can't help but circle that matchup on my calendar.

Surviving this gauntlet with a winning record would not just boost morale, it could shape the Stars' entire season.

Source: Analyzing the Stars Schedule: First Ten Games Will Be Major Challenge