First-year Stars coach Marc Crawford served as an analyst for Hockey Night in Canada last year, so he understands how outsiders will look at his team this season.

Just one point out of eighth place in the Western Conference at the Olympic break and in position to make a run at the playoffs, the Stars have collapsed. They are 1-5-1 while getting outscored, 32-16, and are putting up special teams numbers that rival the worst in the NHL.

And, from an analyst's position, that has to call into question everything from the players' intensity and preparedness to the coaching staff's ability to make adjustments on the fly to manage- ment's ability to give this team the players it needs to compete.