I tend to spend a LOT of spare time talking about, watching, listening to and drinking because of the Dallas Stars. I have, up until now, kept my thoughts about the team separate over at DallasStarsPodcast.com, however, I feel compelled to bring some personal items to my blog here ... especially since I haven't felt compelled to write much technical in quite a while.
So, a bit of cross-pollination from the DSP blogs to my personal blogs here ...
A lot of speculation will continue to sprout up around the Stars with their current lack of ability to play 60 minutes, however, Scott Burnside has some interesting thoughts about it:
As bad as the Dallas Stars have been lately, it might actually help them. After sitting atop the Pacific Division and closing in on Detroit for the Western Conference lead, the Stars have lost four in a row and are 1-7-0 in their last eight. The team doesn't play again until Thursday, but are fifth in the conference, just one point ahead of Calgary. The problem for the Stars and Flames, and even Vancouver, is that finishing fifth almost certainly means a first-round date with defending Cup-champion Anaheim. That's not a good thing. Let's be honest -- finishing sixth and playing the winner of the Northwest Division, whether it's Minnesota or Calgary or Vancouver, is a much more palatable matchup.
His full article is actually about Coaches who need to take another look at their resumes, and yes, he does include Tippett, but only barely at the end:
Another highly regarded bench boss who needs a strong playoffs to ensure continued employment is Dave Tippett in Dallas. If the Stars falter, Tippett will move to the top of almost everyone's wish list.
I appreciate that Burnside only barely touches Tippet in this article, a lot of fans will call for his head, but have you seen what he's been doing to try to turn things around for this team? Easter Sunday was an off day for the Stars, but he had them on the ice working so hard that, Hagman tossed up his Easter breakfast and Robidas was slumped over at the end of practice (thanks Heika for those visuals).
For those calling on Tippett's head, maybe you're right. Maybe he just can't get these guys properly inspired for the long haul. Or maybe, with his first season not under Armstrong, and with a team who took a huge mental hit losing Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern and Jussi Jokinen, he needs a fresh start to the season.
I like Tippett, in fact, I'd call myself a Tippett fan and supporter (no, not like a bra, get your mind out of the gutter); but I hope he can turn things around so Hull, Jackson and ultimately Hicks, don't have to make a tough decision.
I'm pullin' for ya Stars, you can do it ... we know you can.
--The Wall
PS - Sorry for the lack of podcasts the past month. Scott and I have been incredibly busy and just can't seem to meet up. I promise, you'll get to hear our sexy voices once again soon ... well, soon-ish.
Do you like reading my Dallas Stars stuff here? Let me know - and if you have thoughts on the team itself, feel free to hit me up here, or over at the DSP.