You want some optimism at a very difficult time?
The Stars could be a very good team next season.
Just look at Tuesday's opponent the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota went from Mike Yeo to Bruce Boudreau behind the bench and added Eric Staal at center. Now, the Wild sit atop the Western Conference.
And they're not alone. Columbus switched to John Tortorella at coach, traded for Seth Jones, and now sit second in the Eastern Conference. Last season, most people had the Sharks starting the inevitable downward turn after a long run of success and were baffled by the Penguins struggles.