NHL schedule release 2018: 5 Stars games we’re looking forward to

With the NHL announcing the full schedule for 2018-19, we take a look ahead at five Dallas Stars games we can’t wait to see.

Another Stanley Cup Final has rolled on by, but a new campaign is coming in hot. Sure, we’re still a few months from first puck drop, but with the regular season schedule already announced, it’ll be here before you know it. Trust us; we’re old, and months go by way fast now.

That means it’s about time to gear up for new storylines, to sell the old foam fingers and buy some new ones and to dust off the jerseys and prepare to sleep in them all the way to May — unless you’re like us here at FanSided NHL, in which case you never take it off.

It’s also time to circle the calendars for the games we’re most looking forward to. These are the ones based solely on revenge, rivalries, bets with friends/grandma and the ones you are absolutely positive can be penciled in as easy wins.

For the Dallas Stars, this is a year of change. In fact, it may be one of the most critical years they’ve faced in a long time. They have a new head coach fresh from the college ranks, General Manager Jim Nill is entering year five and still in the process of executing his plan to bring this team another championship, and star Tyler Seguin could be headed to free agency next year if he isn’t resigned this offseason.

Another devastating collapse or fiasco such as what we saw to end 2017-18, and things could get messy real quick. But that’s only fueling our need for live action. The drama, the anticipation and the unknown has us hyped already. So let’s get down to some grit with five games we’re dying to see.

5. Winnipeg Jets @ Dallas

Date: Saturday, January 19

Time: 7:00 p.m, E.T.

Dallas has been abysmal against the Winnipeg Jets the last few seasons, getting swept in four last year and losing four of five in 2016-17. Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele routinely chew through the Stars’ defense like unfed wolves. The contests are remarkably lopsided nearly every time out. Really, it’s not ever close.

So why on earth would we be looking forward to this game? Because this is a measuring stick matchup. As mentioned, Dallas is seeking a new identity and it’s putting what it hopes will be a new and healthy spin on the team that gets them back to competing with the best in the league. Aside from new coach Jim Montgomery, Nill is looking to change his ways also in terms of player development and evolving with the NHL.

And if the Stars can come out looking sharp against a Jets team that went to the Conference Finals, we might allow ourselves to take a minute and fully breathe. Maybe the moves and setting of a different vibe could work after all. Give us an ounce of hope, please.

If they look like the per usual listless squad that’s been steamrolled by Winnipeg all too often? Well, that might very well answer a lot of questions also. Outside of that, this is a divisional contest and you know how much we love those. They are critical to overall success. A win here could be a great tone-setter for what’s to come throughout.