The Dallas Stars have made the playoffs just once in the past seven seasons, but they've had somewhat of a breakout year this season as they're in first place in the Western Conference and have already clinched a playoff spot. However, they won't stop there. Here are three reasons why the Stars will win the Stanley Cup this season:
3) Two reliable goaltenders
Neither Kari Lehtonen or Antti Niemi have been game-changers in net, but they've both been the solid contributors this team needed them to be. They've both won 22 games this year, have save percentages over .900, and have a goals against average under 2.85. Long playoff runs are often started by goalies who get hot, and the Stars have two capable of reeling off that kind of run.
2) Lindy Ruff's coaching
Ruff seems to have pushed all of the right buttons at the right time with this team this year, running a two-goalie system to perfection while getting the most of of Dallas' young stars (no pun intended). He has organized the best offense and one of the power plays in the league, and has led Dallas to the postseason for the second time in three seasons as a result.
Ruff also has the playoff experience that will be vital for this group. This is his 10th postseason appearance as a coach, leading his team to at least the conference finals in four of those years.
1) Offensive firepower
The biggest reason for Dallas' emergence this year has been their explosive offense. They lead the league in goals, averaging 3.2 per game, and rank third on the power play (22.3 percent). Both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin already have over 30 goals on the season, and Jason Spezza is one away reaching that benchmark as well. In total, 11 players have scored at least 10 goals this season - no other club can claim that.