The Dallas Stars lost just their second game of the season Tuesday after returning to full strength. Now, they’ll look to develop chemistry and bounce back against the Boston Bruins on the road in New England Thursday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Stars’ matchup vs. the Bruins.
Stars vs. Bruins
When: Thursday, 6 p.m. (October 24)
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
TV/Streaming: Victory+
Radio: 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM)
Bottom line
Though the Stars got off to a hot 5-1 start, they hadn’t yet seen what they were capable of at full strength, as they dealt with multiple early season injuries. Finally, they were at full strength for the first time when they faced the Buffalo Sabres on the road Tuesday. Dallas wasn’t able to pull off a win despite a late comeback attempt, but it still represented an the opportunity to continue to develop chemistry, especially for the Stars’ revamped blueline.
Now, the full squad will get another test against a talented, but adjusting, Bruins team. After a dramatic offseason goaltending saga, Boston (3-3-1) has started the season cold by its standards in large part due to penalties. The Bruins lead the league in penalties taken and are second in total penalty minutes. Head coach Jim Montgomery cited discipline as a major reason for their most recent 4-0 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The Bruins are also struggling to get production from their veterans like captain Brad Marchand, who has yet to score a goal this season, and are overall struggling with chemistry on offense. However, they’re just one season removed from a President’s Trophy win and could be a threat if they can get things to click.
Top performers
Stars: Rookie Logan Stankoven has tallied seven assists in the Stars’ first seven games but is still looking for his first goal. … Roope Hintz leads all Stars with seven points and three goals. … Tyler Seguin has 13 points in 20 career games played against the team that drafted him.
Bruins: Free agency signing Cole Koepke leads all Bruins in points with six. … Former MVP finalist and Rocket Richard winner David Pastrnak leads with four goals. … Nikita Zadorov has a penalty in every game so far.
Injuries
Stars: None
Sabres: Alec Regula (injured reserve, non-roster)
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