Stargazing: A Dallas Stars Puckcast | Defending Big D

The Hope (That Kills You)

At some point in Western Conference Final Game 3, the Dallas Stars quit playing like a team and started playing like individuals. It would have been easy to give up on them when adversity struck early in Game 4...and yet here we are, with Game 5 on the horizon.

Wes and Mark took a moment to disassemble the Voltron of disaster that culminated in Tuesday night's breakdown, and what the Victory Green Gang must to do to avoid a gentleman's sweep as the series returns to Las Vegas. In this episode:

• why the Stars have caught more pipes than nets against the Golden Knights,
• why we need to talk about Jake Oettinger,
• why Jamie Benn's shocking lapse in judgment may have felt inevitable,
• the importance of trust, or the lack of it,
• the reappearance of Regular-Season Robo, and the prospect of Dallas' best scorer beginning to score in bunches again,
• what this postseason will mean for Roope Hintz, no matter the final result,
• the long, long odds against a meaningful comeback,
• and the signs of hope – however small – that we might at least get a Game 6.

It's time to ask yourself what you believe. It's time...for Stargazing. Brought to you by our good friends at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

How does all this make you feel? Tell us about it at Defending Big D, or DM us @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We may talk about it in the next podcast.

Spread the Stars love around – rate, review and share. We appreciate it more than we can say.

Western Conference Final Edition

The Dallas Stars have made it halfway to the big show. Not bad for a team that was widely expected to miss the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs altogether. Now comes their biggest test yet: Can they take down the regular-season Western Conference champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, on Sin City's home ice?

Wes and Mark have been thinking about this matchup for a long time. A long time. In this edition, they talk about:

• what stood out in the Stars' seven-game series with the Seattle Kraken,
• why this series marks a return to "normal" hockey,
• what Esa Lindell does exceptionally well,
• why the Stars succeed, or fail, in individual games,
• which groups are crushing it, and which are Kryptonite,
• how the whole team can help out Jake Oettinger,
• why even a struggling Jason Robertson is better than you think,
• and what may be the one way Vegas can control the series.

It's on, as they say, like Donkey Kong. We're Stargazing, and we approve this message. Brought to you by our good friends at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

What does your NHL GM bingo card look like? Tell us about it at Defending Big D, or DM us @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We may talk about it in the next podcast.

And don't forget to spread the Stars love around – rate, review and share.

Game 7 Scenario

It's win-or-go-home time for the Dallas Stars, which means it's the same for a very tough opponent, the Seattle Kraken. What's gonna happen? (No, really...what is going to happen?!)

Taylor Baird joined MC Wes Lawrence to go over the Stars' scenarios, and they had a lot to discuss in a short 30 minutes. In this episode:

• the case for a Victory Green victory,
• the factors that could swing the game,
• who needs to step up,
• the case for shortening the bench,
• what the Stars must do to put the Kraken on the back foot (tentacle, whatever),
• and what may happen if they don't.

It's time to get real. It's time...for Stargazing. Brought to you by the good folks at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

Any Stanley Cup playoffs questions keeping you up at night, not that there's anything wrong with that? Tell us about them at Defending Big D, or DM us @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We read them all, and we may even talk about them in the next podcast, so you got that going for you.

And don't forget to spread the Stars love around – rate, review and share.

What You Want

The Dallas Stars are coming home from Washington with a tied series in their duffles. Can they take their first Round 2 lead over the Seattle Kraken, on home ice?

Wes, Mark and Tyler got together to give it a think-out-loud, and we turned it into a whole podcast. In this episode:

• why the Stars' top line has been the dog that didn't bark,
• what to make of Jake Oettinger's Round 2 stats,
• the horrible truth (?) about Miro Heiskanen,
• what to look for if the Stars have really turned a corner,
• and what may be the biggest danger facing the Victory Green Gang for the rest of the series.

We don't know the question, but the answer is "Give Thomas Harley more ice time." Meanwhile, it's time for Stargazing! Brought to you by the good folks at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

Have a Round 2 question? Tell us about a Defending Big D, or DM us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We'll name-check you in the next podcast.

And don't forget what needy creatures we are – rate, review and share. Thanks!

 

Dallas Love

The Dallas Stars have responded to adversity pretty well so far in this Stanley Cup playoffs series. How can they carry that forward against a Seattle Kraken team that's (mostly) capable of matching skill with skill?

DBD's fearless leader, Taylor Baird, joins Wes and Mark for a long look at the series so far, just in time for your pre-Game 3 listening. In this episode:

• the impact of Joe Pavelski,
• the importance of knowing when to react and when to let it ride,
• which lines are working (and which players they're not working for),
• what Dallas might do to switch up the defense,
• how Jason Robertson can get his groove on,
• and the eternal danger of Jake Oettinger.

Who do you think is the Stars player most likely to make another team miserable during a seven-game series? Share your thoughts...with Stargazing. It's brought to you by the good folks at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

What's Kraken? Let us know at Defending Big D, or DM us @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We're collecting your thoughts, because we love you. (Not like we're stalkers, or anything.)

And don't forget that rating, reviewing and sharing is a great way to share the love around. Thanks in advance.

The Round 2 Preview

Three Round 1 wins in a row, taking the series in six...these Dallas Stars may actually be pretty good. Can they carry the pace into the Western Conference semifinals against a team that just knocked off the reigning champs?

Wes, Mark and Tyler took a deep look into the team's performance and found plenty to talk about. In this episode:

• how the Victory Green Gang fashioned the Round 1 victory over the Minnesota Wild,
• the individual performances that stood out during the series,
• what they need to do to prevail now that the fans have the fight they wanted with the Seattle Kraken,
• and who needs to deliver if the Stars want another Western Conference Final in their future.

All this, plus a quick listen to the thunder in the East...it's time for Stargazing. Brought to you by the good folks at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

Have a Round 2 question? Let us know at Defending Big D, or DM us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. We'll name-check you in the next podcast.

Rating, reviewing and sharing is a great way to spread the Stars love. Thanks!

Texas Stars Playoffs Preview

The Dallas Stars organization has what we might call a good problem this season: Every team is positioned to make a big run at the top prize, and all of them want the best players for the effort. How does that shake out for the Austin Metro squad?

Regular Stargazing co-host Mark Zimmerman invited back 100 Degree Hockey's Stephen Meserve for a long talk about the Texas Stars' postseason, which officially begins on Friday, April 28 in Rockford. In this edition, learn all about:

• which players to watch at every position,
• how the team has prepared for the playoffs,
• a closer look at potential opponents,
• who's most likely to get the call-up if the Dallas Stars make a deep Stanley Cup run,
• the many ways in which leadership has shaped this year's squad,
• and why their special teams could make the difference in a long climb to the Calder Cup Finals.

All this, plus a look inside We Win Here, Stephen's new book with Sean Shapiro...what more could you want? Let's go Stargazing – in Cedar Park. Brought to you by the good folks at the Green Team, Greening Law, P.C.

Just because this is an AHL episode doesn't mean you can't share your Round 1 questions at Defending Big D. Or you can always contact us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. Let us know what you want to talk about!

And please don't forget to rate, review and share. We love you.

Round 1 - The Story So Far

The Dallas Stars are back in Big D with Round 1 all tied up against the Minnesota Wild. How do they press home-ice advantage and get out of this series victorious?

Wes Lawrence and Taylor Baird bring back Stargazing Nights with a review of the first four games, as well as a look ahead at the battles to come. It's probably going to be a long week – and trust us, you need their wisdom.

It's the Stanley Cup playoffs. Everybody is 100% healthy. No further questions. So join us for a little Stargazing after dark. Brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

Share your biggest Round 1 questions in the comments – or flip us a bird @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You'll probably get name-checked the next podcast, and we guarantee it'll make your week.

And please don't forget to rate, review and share. We love you in advance.

2023 Stanley Cup Roundtable

Hockey fans everywhere are counting the minutes until the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs begin. So why not chain them together and make them fight for supremacy?

Wes Lawrence, co-host of Defending Big D's own Stargazing Puckcast, joined fellow commentators from six of our sibling sites to chew the fat and spit hot fire:

• Stanley Cup Of Chowder, for all things Boston Bruins,
• Anaheim Calling, a favorite pond for Ducks fans,
• Jewels From The Crown, serving the Los Angeles Kings,
• The Cannon, sounding off for the Columbus Blue Jackets,
• Davy Jones' Locker Room, where Seattle Kraken fans lurk,
• and Lighthouse Hockey, a beacon for the New York Islanders.

This expert panel went series by series in anticipation of the playoffs action. Here's what they talked about:

• Can anyone stop the Bruins?
• How much Martin Jones does anyone really need?
• Does Connor McDavid stay in God Mode?
• Can the Colorado Avalanche get healthy?
• How do the Stars deal with actual expectations?
• And much, much more.

Buckle up, it's going to be a heckuva ride! (Notice: Not responsible for accidents, nausea, coma, death, or any other physical or psychological injuries.) And, as always, our end is brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

You must have so many questions about Round 1. Share them at Defending Big D, or flip us a bird @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You'll get name-checked in the next podcast, and your pals will be jealous.

And this time, we invite you to visit the sites of our friends and rivals, as linked above. Many of them are as new and improved as this one, and they'll appreciate the clicks for sure. Thanks. Love you.

The Pre-Postseason

The Dallas Stars are in, and this year, there are expectations. No more lucky-to-be-here vibes – this time, the Victory Green Gang is challenging.

You may ask yourself...how did they get here? Wes and Mark took a good look at the Stars' current situation, and dare we say they like where we're at? In this episode:

• Does it really matter who Dallas plays in the first round – and why not?
• How did Mason Marchment look in his first game back from injury?
• How many matchup problems did his return create for the Stars' playoffs opponents?
• Why will it probably be at least one more season before Miro Heiskanen starts getting the leaguewide recognition he deserves?
• On that tip, what will it take for Jason Robertson to get a little sugar?
• And is Jim Nill the real source of the secret sauce?

We don't know the question, but the answer is "Naught-inger." This is Stargazing, and for once, we can't wait for Monday. Brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

What are your questions as we await Round 1? Share them at Defending Big D – or you can always flip us a bird @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. Do it! You could get name-checked the next podcast.

And please do us the favor of a rate, review or share. We love you in advance.

Wrap It Up

Now that the Dallas Stars have secured their berth on the 2023 Stanley Cup train, fans have a whole new set of anxieties to mull over. Which matchups help, or hurt, the most? Can the team stay healthy? And whatever will we do if they don't break any more records on the way to the first round?...

So what's left on the regular-season wish list? Wes, Mark, and Taylor 2.0 got together, and they came up with some questions worthy of Stargazing over. In this episode:

• What should we look for as the Stars seek to finish strong?
• Where do Miro Heiskanen's and Thomas Harley's skill sets match up, and what could that mean for the Dallas defense?
• Are veteran mistakes better than rookie mistakes simply because you know what they are and when they'll show up, night after night after night?
• And how closely should we watch if the team finally gets the Tyler Seguin-Max Domi-Mason Marchment band back together?

We don't know the question, but the answer might be "Scott Wedgewood." Find out why...on Stargazing. Brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

How do you think Jason Robertson will mojo himself into 50 regular-season goals? Let's discuss it at the all-new Defending Big D – or you can always flip us a bird @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. (You could be part of the next podcast. Not bad, right?)

And we're always grateful when you rate, review and share. Even more so now, because it helps us get the word out about DBD's spanking-new site. Tell your friends!

No Fooling

It's a good time to be a Dallas Stars fan. Jason Robertson is officially the new Mike Modano. Jamie Benn and Joe Pavelski have renewed our faith in Veteran Savvy with record-breaking performances. And Miro Heiskanen is still Miro Heiskanen. All this, plus Jake Oettinger, and the 2023 postseason looks like a bright light at the end of the regular-season tunnel.

And while it's technically possible for the Victory Green Gang to fall out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's probably time to start scouting Western Conference matchups. Wes and Mark are, as always, up to the challenge. In this episode, they discuss: 

• why every first-round opponent will be challenging,
• why some will be more challenging than others (file under: just about any Central Division team),
• why the Stars should try to make a statement with every remaining regular-season game,
• and why the persistent specter of getting goalie'd fades during a playoffs series.

Is it true that if you say "Murder Death Kill Division" three times, Gabriel Landeskog will get a hat trick against you? Share your suspicions...with Stargazing. It’s brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

Who's your dream first-round opponent? Tell us about it at Defending Big D, or send us a bird @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You could be part of the next podcast.

And we hate it when you rate, review or share. Seriously. Don't do it.

Otter Space

The NHL’s Central Division is crammed with elite goaltenders, and the Dallas Stars arguably have the elitest. Is there a problem?

It’s a complicated question with a few simple (and potentially wrong) answers. Wes and Mark took a good look at Jake Oettinger and the team surrounding him, and they found plenty to talk about. In this edition of Stargazing:

• Otter’s workload, and what his #fancystats can tell us,
• Scott Wedgewood’s injury, and why he needs to come back strong,
• the Stars’ defense, and why it may be the biggest part of the problem,
• the Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment injuries, and how they’ve affected the team,
• and Wyatt Johnston, the monster no one hardly anyone saw coming.

So if the Western Conference is full of great teams who all have one fatal flaw...what are they, exactly? Let’s discuss it...with Stargazing. And it’s brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

Have you had enough of ESPN yet? Tell us about it at Defending Big D, or DM us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You could be part of the next podcast.

And we always, always appreciate a rate, review or share, because our listeners are the best listeners in the world.

Party Over Here

Good news: The Dallas Stars can roll three lines now! Bad news: The injury bug is trying to ruin that, too.

As the Stars settle into their post-NHL trade deadline reality, change is in the air – for better and (occasionally) otherwise. Wes and Mark spent some time talking about it, and here’s what they’re asking:

• Are Evgenii Dadonov and Max Domi exactly what the team needed – or at least close enough to close the deal?
• Will the Stars’ newfound offensive flexibility allow them to protect their divisional lead?
• Has the return of high-event hockey made the team more fun again?
• Or does the chaos make you nervous this late in the season?
• Is Jake Oettinger OK?
• And what does all this mean for Miro Heiskanen?

It’s like everyone is the drummer for Spinal Tap. At Stargazing, we just throw that kind of reference around, because the right people will get it. And it’s brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

Are you ready to embrace the Daddy Era? Talk to us about it at Defending Big D, or DM us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You could be part of the next podcast.

And please don’t forget to rate, review and share, wherever you listen. Thanks!

Flip The Script

Whether you believe the Dallas Stars can or can’t make a run to Stanley Cup glory in 2023...you’re probably right. Schrödinger’s Team has never really gone away, but the past week has brought it back into the limelight.

We’re at the point in the season when matchups matter – so it’s lucky we have Wes and Mark, along with Taylor 2.0, to turn the cards over and start reading. In this edition:

• Did the Stars lean into their strengths rather than address their weaknesses with their NHL trade deadline activities?
• Will it work? Or not?
• At this point, are Stars fans more worried about the team’s issues than the team itself?
• Or are stupid problems just easier to solve than others?
• And what do we even mean by that?

Would you rather lose a game at the beginning of the third period or in the last few seconds? Stargazing asks the questions that matter. And it’s brought to you by our sponsor, Greening Law, P.C.

What’s your stupid problem? Leave it at Defending Big D, or DM us on the bird app @WesALawrence or @KETibbetts. You could be part of the next podcast.

And please don’t forget to rate, review and share. Thanks for listening.