With Richards Still Out, Stars Need Role Players to Chip In

The Dallas Stars have been very impressive in the last few games, despite the lackluster first period and the coasting home third period in Phoenix.

Winning Without the Biggest Star

Believe it or not, the loss of Brad Richards for this stretch may end up being what gets the Stars into the second round of the playoffs, assuming they can qualify in the first place. The confidence that comes with winning without your biggest star goes a long way towards helping you be better when that star returns, rather than falling back into old habits.

A 4-0-1 Stretch Has Dallas Pumped

That is a popular phrase these days on the tips of the tongues of Dallas Stars fans, and why not? A 4-0-1 stretch including dramatic finishes and big wins over high quality opponents has Dallas fans pumped about what the future may bring: hopefully a playoff round.

The Weight on a Few Shoulders

The assumption from everyone in Stars land these days is that Brad Richards will swoop back in any time now and help lift the enormous weight that now rests on the shoulders of only a few:

• Jamie Benn
• Kari Lehtonen
• Alex Goligoski
• Stephane Robidas

No Skates on the Weekend

Richards did not skate Saturday. He did not skate Sunday. He might skate Monday, and even if he did he would not play tomorrow night. The travel and the hectic schedule will make for light morning skates in the coming week and precious little practice time in which to ease him back into the swing of things.

He has gone from "probably on Friday in Anaheim" to a big, big question mark in the near future.