Craig Ludwig makes his case for this young stud to make the roster this season
Alexander Petrovic became one of the most surprising stories of the Dallas Stars' playoff run, and now, his place on the roster for the upcoming season is a real question.
The 32-year-old defenseman, known for his physical play, stepped into the lineup and earned trust with key minutes, even scoring a controversial goal in Game 3 against Winnipeg that shifted momentum for Dallas.
His ice time and consistency left many fans wondering whether he should finally claim a full-time NHL role with the Stars, something he has been chasing for years.
Alexander Petrovic's playoff performance and steady role could secure him a full NHL spot with the Dallas Stars
Craig Ludwig spoke about Petrovic's case on the DLLS Stars podcast, saying,
«I think he deserved an opportunity to try to earn a spot. Look at what he's done and how he was playing with confidence in the playoffs He was a physical presence. He didn't give up many chances.»
He also added,
«When you're a 5th or 6th defenseman, a lot of your job is to go out there, get it done and get off the ice. You're mainly there to give the top 4 a breather.»
Petrovic averaged close to 14 minutes a night in the postseason, bringing size, blocked shots, and the kind of predictability teams value in a third-pair player.
His steady approach also gave rookie Lian Bichsel space to grow, something Stars coaches appreciated NHL.com.
I think Petrovic's reliability outweighs concerns about his lack of flash, especially when playoff hockey demands simplicity.
His controversial Game 3 goal, confirmed after a lengthy review, also gave him a highlight that showed he can seize key moments AP News.
While some critics argue that Dallas could benefit from giving his minutes to a younger player, I believe his presence stabilizes the blue line and helps balance the Stars' defensive depth.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 114 ANSWERS Craig Ludwig makes his case for this young stud to make the roster this season Do you think Alexander Petrovic deserves a full-time NHL roster spot next season? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 68.4 % |
| no | 36 | 31.6 % |
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