Contrary to popular opinion the dismissal of Sean Avery in Dallas is not the only reason why the team has turned it around.
The temptation is to point the finger directly at the decision to boot Sean Avery off the team as the biggest reason why the Dallas Stars have been able to turn around a miserable season.
It is a huge factor, but not the only one.
The improved play of goaltender Marty Turco is certainly a big reason why the Stars are rapidly moving up the Western Conference standings. The addition of veteran defenceman Daryl Sydor, a move that raised many eyebrows at the time he was brought in from Pittsburgh, has helped tremendously, too. And coach Dave Tippet flexing a little muscle is not to be overlooked.
Let's face it; there were huge expectations on the Stars this season after they took the Detroit Red Wings to six games in the Western Conference final last spring. There is a very good chance that had the Stars won that series, they would have defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the final to capture the Stanley Cup.
The signing of Avery was a mistake - and at $15.5 million over four years it might be one of the most expensive mistakes in NHL history. Not a single player was happy with the addition of the controversial, self-centered winger and his presence had an adverse affect on numerous players the team depends on.
The Stars were 8-11-4 with Avery and are 16-7-4 without him.
Avery aside, the Stars desperately needed Turco to return to form if they were going to dig themselves out of a hole. It looks as though Turco is back on his game.
It's funny how things go. For years Turco had the reputation of being a fantastic regular season goalie whose play dipped miserably in the playoffs. But with two solid playoff performances in a row, Turco's reputation is now solid.
But then came this season.
Once reliable, Turco found himself among the worst puck-stoppers in the league in terms of goals-against average and save percentage.
The 33-year-old Sault Ste. Marie native won just five of his first 15 starts. He has now won five in a row and six of his last seven games and there are those that watch him closely who believe if he continues to play as he is, very much like an MVP candidate, the Stars could do some serious damage in the playoffs. Turco is performing very much like a goalie who can win a round or two on his own.
There were those convinced that the 36-year-old Sydor was washed up after he failed to make an impact with the Penguins last season. The same people wondered exactly what the Stars were thinking when they shipped Philippe Boucher to Pittsburgh earlier this season to bring Sydor back to town (This is his third go-around with the Stars).
To fully appreciate Sydor's contribution, you need to tune into a Stars practice or two. For starters, he makes others accountable. On top of that, he brings enthusiasm to the rink. Players were going through the motions before his arrival. Sydor sets a good example for how to be a professional to the team's younger players.
Finally, there is coach Tippet. There was never a sense that he was in danger of losing his job, even at the worst of times this season. Had the Stars continued to plummet and missed the playoffs, then perhaps his position would have been evaluated in the off-season.
But there were two points during the season when the otherwise quiet coach stood up to be counted. After Avery shot his mouth off in Calgary about opponents dating his former girlfriends, and was subsequently suspended by the NHL, Tippet made it clear the player would not be welcome back in the dressing room. He didn't come right out and say it, but it was very clear Tippet was saying: It's him or me. The Stars wisely chose to keep the coach.
Then, following a humiliating 6-1 loss in Detroit on January 8, Tippet did something he rarely does - he named names. He made it clear he was disappointed with the efforts of Turco, Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro. The Stars are 7-1-2 since that night and those three players have made significant gains.
However, there are still obstacles to be overcome. Captain and inspirational leader Brendan Morrow was lost to the Stars December 2 when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Morrow told Sportsnet.ca on Tuesday night he is working his tail off in an effort to make it back for the playoffs. Also, veteran defenceman Sergei Zubov is out for the year following hip surgery and isn't expected back until next season (Christmas if all goes well).
But one thing is certain: The team that looked like a write-off a month ago is suddenly worth keeping an eye on.
