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NosediveThat's 20 points. First in the division. First in the conference.
There was a wholesale change in the organization, sort of an organizational philosophy change, not unlike the Texas Rangers years ago under Jon Daniels. And not unlike the Rangers, the Stars are winning the right way and despite uncertainty with ownership.
Glen Gulatzan is making filet mignon out of turds and focusing on the blue line, goaltending and special teams, which is all easier said than done. Enter: GM Joe Nieuwendyk.
He not only had to let Brad Richards walk, but he was given basically his projected contract to sign others and fill out a competitive roster.
He's done that. I can't imagine the team without Vern Fiddler, Sheldon Souray (the sole difference in the power play) and Mike Ryder. None are on Richards' level of talent. None of them will be vying for scoring titles and make spectacular plays in the ice. But they go into work and do their job. All sports are a set of basic principles, whether its catching a ball or making sure you are in the right place at any given time. Sports are not difficult at their foundation. Although, still, none of us could do what they do.
Anyway, Fiddler, Adam Burish, Jamie Benn, Souray, Stephane Robidas, Loui Eriksson ... they could all find jobs elsewhere, but they are here and as a cohesive bunch there's not a lot of losing taking place.
Most recently, the tandem of Eriksson and Benn have hit it off. Nieuwendyk didn't like seeing a guy like Richards walk. However, as inevitable that was, he had to trust the players he had to develop and grow. Both Eriksson and Benn are on pace for about 100 points, which would annihilate their previous career numbers. The pair have combined for four goals and seven assists in the last two games.
None of this -- the winning, the stats -- make any sense now. In context, in April, they will. I know as well as anyone that the Stars led the Pacific Division most of last season and wound up with 95 points and a trip home after game No. 82.
I also know that these games, these points will make a huge difference in April, possibly the difference between the post-season and fishing trips.
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