Dallas Stars' Two Top Forwards Face Criticism for Very Different Reasons
Photo credit: Blackout Dallas
The Dallas Stars need Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen to reach elite form for a Stanley Cup push because they enter the new season knowing that depth alone won't carry them to a championship.
Their top scorers must set the tone, and for Dallas, that means Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen are under the microscope.
Both have surpassed the 100-point milestone in the past, proving they can be among the league's most dominant.
Repeating that kind of production this year could be the difference between another solid campaign and a true Stanley Cup run.
Why Jason Robertson's return to form could define the Dallas Stars season
Robertson remains one of the NHL's most skilled playmakers, with exceptional vision and patience.
But injuries have interrupted his momentum, leaving questions about whether he can consistently deliver at an elite level.
«When Robertson is healthy and confident, he's nearly impossible to contain,» one Stars analyst noted.
With his contract expiring soon and the salary cap tightening, a return to 100 points would not only silence critics but also force Dallas to decide how to keep him long-term.
Then there's Mikko Rantanen, who didn't reach 100 points last season yet still led the Stars in scoring.
His size, shot, and playoff experience make him a nightmare for opponents, and Dallas expects him to be the focal point of every game plan.
«Rantanen's presence changes the entire dynamic of the offense,» said a Western Conference scout.
Given the aging core of Matt Duchene, Tyler Seguin, and Jamie Benn, his production is more critical than ever.
I believe that if Robertson finds his scoring touch again and Rantanen dominates like he can, Dallas could be unstoppable.
The Stars have the pieces, but their championship hopes rest on their two biggest offensive weapons delivering when it matters most.
You can read more analysis on their roles in The Hockey Writers' detailed breakdown.
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