The Dallas Stars are getting serious about making a long playoff run, and the visiting San Jose Sharks are the next team in their way on Saturday night.
The Stars traded for defenseman Chris Tanev on Wednesday and then went out and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 on Thursday to take a two-point lead over the Jets for first place in the Central Division.
“It’s a great message,” Stars forward Joe Pavelski said. “There’s a lot of belief in this room, and I think it starts at the top. You see something like that and the first thing that goes through my mind, and I think a lot of guys’ minds is, ‘I’ve got to be better, too.’ We want more. There’s more out there for us. They’ve got confidence in this group, and it’s on us to keep getting better.”
Dallas acquired Tanev from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, but immigration and work visa details will prevent him from making his team debut until the upcoming three-game California road trip that begins Tuesday in San Jose.
Dallas had lost six of seven games before the trade (1-3-3), but Tanev’s acquisition inspired the Stars to a third straight win against the Jets this season.
Jason Robertson scored his 20th goal of the season, Pavelski scored his 21st and Roope Hintz his 24th into an empty net to cap the win.
Stars coach Peter DeBoer said he continues to be amazed by the leadership and production coming from the 39-year-old Pavelski.
“He’s more valuable in the room with his leadership and the way he leads than he is even on the score sheet,” DeBoer said. “All the guy wants to do is win. He’s willing to do everything and willing to sacrifice parts of his game to do that.”
Pavelski played his first 13 seasons in the NHL in San Jose, and the Sharks could definitely use him now.
San Jose has dropped five in a row, most recently 6-4 against the visiting Anaheim Ducks on Thursday to remain tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for the fewest points in the NHL.
On the plus side, the Sharks went 3-for-6 on the power play.
“The power play was way better than it’s been, but it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t win,” Sharks forward William Eklund said.
Another positive of late is forward Anthony Duclair, who had two goals and an assist against Anaheim and has four goals and an assist in the past five games.
“His speed has always been evident, but it’s been more so here over the last few weeks,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “His puck play has been good. I just think he’s playing a much more complete game.”
Duclair’s play has likely attracted the attention of other NHL teams heading into next week’s trade deadline.
“We all know what time of the year it is, but at the same time, I think the guys have done a good job of staying focused and staying dialed in on every game and practice,” Duclair said. “We know it’s a stressful time of the year, but at the same time, guys are professionals here. We have each other’s backs no matter what.”
–Field Level Media
