NHL division previews: 2017-18 Central Division

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DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 25: Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) goes after the puck during the NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars on September 25, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4th in 2017-18 Central Division – Dallas Stars

The Stars are a tough one to peg. They have one of the most impressive forward corps in the league, and they are well-known for their high-paced, high scoring style of play. This is very likely to continue into 2017-18. The problem with Dallas, however, isn’t scoring, but rather keeping the puck out of their own net.

The Stars, as stated above, are one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. They have top-end talent like Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza and newly acquire Alexander Radulov to lean on. With those kinds of names, the scoring isn’t going to be the issue keeping them from making the playoffs again.

Much like the first team on this list, the Stars were nothing short of atrocious last season in keeping the puck out of their net, allowing 260 goals over the course of the season, 38 more than they scored themselves. This was partially due to the poor play of their defense, and partly due to the failing form of their Finnish goaltender duo.

Their defense doesn’t look bad, but it still isn’t anything to write home about. The top four will likely be occupied by a mixture of Marc Methot, John Klingberg, Esa Lindell and Stephen Johns. This, on paper, looks like a relatively sound defense. But is it strong enough to force their way higher up the division standings?

Another issue that was rectified in the off-season was the goaltending problem. Acquiring Ben Bishop was a seriously smart move for the Stars, and a massive step up from what they had last year. Bishop is a solid goaltender, and he could be the difference between the Stars being a wild card team or missing the playoffs again.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Alexander Radulov. After performing admirably during his NHL return with Montreal, Stars fans are hoping the Russian can replicate his production in The Lone Star State. If he can do that, there is every reason to believe the Stars will increase their goal total from 2016-17.