Could the Dallas Stars' power play finally become their biggest weapon?
Photo credit: Spectrum News
The Dallas Stars enter the 2025-26 season with no shortage of firepower, but the biggest question may be whether their power play can evolve from a good unit into a dominant force.
With Mikko Rantanen joining Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz on the top line, Dallas has the kind of elite skill set that could finally make special teams their most dangerous advantage.
For years, the Stars' power play has hovered in the middle of the pack, efficient at times but rarely overwhelming. That could change under new head coach Glen Gulutzan, who has already hinted at adjustments designed to maximize the team's offensive talent.
If the Stars can turn the man advantage into a consistent weapon, it might be the missing piece in their Stanley Cup pursuit.
Mikko Rantanen, Robertson, and Hintz could transform the Dallas Stars' power play
Dallas's top unit is now stacked with some of the NHL's most creative players. Robertson's shooting threat, Rantanen's puck distribution, and Hintz's ability to attack seams give the Stars multiple ways to score.
As NHL.com's coverage of the team has pointed out, Rantanen brings a proven track record as a power-play driver, tallying double-digit goals with the Avalanche almost every season.
One Western Conference scout explained why this trio is so dangerous:
«With Rantanen, Robertson, and Hintz on the same unit, you can't cheat to one side. If Dallas keeps the puck moving, there's no easy read for the penalty kill.»
Beyond the big names, Thomas Harley and Miro Heiskanen both give the Stars a reliable quarterback from the point, while Wyatt Johnston could slide into a net-front role to add another dimension. The system itself may also change.
Gulutzan has talked about needing more physicality and pressure across the board, and that mindset could translate into a power play that's not just skilled, but relentless.
Personally, I think this is the year the Stars finally flip the switch. With the talent in place and a coach unafraid to tweak strategies, Dallas has all the tools to turn their power play into the kind of weapon that opponents dread.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 17 ANSWERS Could the Dallas Stars' power play finally become their biggest weapon? Do you think the Dallas Stars' power play will be their biggest strength in 2025-26? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 52.9 % |
| No | 8 | 47.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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