Each offseason, the Stars strive to become a deeper team.

It was a focus for GM Jim Nill and his staff ahead of last season, so they added some key forward depth to make Dallas one of the deepest-scoring teams in the NHL with eight 20-goal scorers.

When that depth dried up in the Western Conference finals against Edmonton, especially on the blue line, the Stars went out and added more this past summer.

Through three games, the Stars (3-0-0) already have seven goal-scorers and 11-point earners. Two new goal scorers — Sam Steel and Wyatt Johnston — tallied their firsts of the year to elevate Dallas to a 2-0 win over the Seattle Kraken (1-2-0) Sunday night.

“That’s what good teams have,” Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said postgame. “We’ve talked about depth here since day one. You need it in order to be an elite team in this league. It’s everything.”

But the depth wasn’t limited to scorers.

The win was Dallas’ second consecutive shutout on a home-opening back-to-back this weekend. New backup goalie Casey DeSmith recorded the 11th shutout of his career in his first start for Dallas just 24 hours after Jake Oettinger did the same Saturday night.

The Stars still have not allowed a goal on the American Airlines Center ice this season.

“What I liked about Casey’s game was just how calm he looked in the net,” DeBoer said. “He really looked like he was in control and unflappable.”

DeSmith was supported by a strong performance from the skaters in front of him, especially Dallas’ blue line, which allowed 25 shots all night. The blue line also had to flex its depth, since top-pairing defenseman Matt Dumba was ruled out with a lower-body injury he suffered against the Islanders Saturday.

Free agency acquisition Brendan Smith saw his first action of the season in Dumba’s place, fitting in seamlessly and recording three blocks and a hit in 13:07 of ice time.

All of the Stars’ scoring happened in a 13-second span. With under four minutes remaining in the first period, Steel received a pass from new linemate Colin Blackwell on the post and finished for his first goal of the season.

Off the next face-off, the Stars controlled possession, and Jamie Benn carried the puck into the offensive zone before finding Johnston with a drop pass. The Stars’ leading scorer from last season became the first Stars or North Stars player 21 years old or younger to open the season with a three-game point streak since Mike Modano in 1991-92.

Dallas held strong defensively through the next two periods, especially on the penalty kill. The Stars killed off four Kraken power plays and allowed just two shots on goal on the man advantage. Dallas had three power-play opportunities of its own but was unable to score.

“I think we’ve just put a lot of emphasis, and the guys that are killing have done a lot of talking in between each other,” Steel said. “At this time of year, if you’re detailed, you’re going to have success.”

The Stars are off to a strong undefeated start to the season during a busy stretch with five games in eight days. While their depth has carried them through, they could be even stronger when they return to the ice against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, as reigning AHL MVP Mavrik Bourque may make his season debut if he can return from injury.

“I just think this team has a lot of chemistry, and they know how to win,” DeSmith said. “This team is aways at the top of the standings, and there’s a reason for that. They just love to win, and they know how to do it.”

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

With a mini bye ahead of their Week 7 game, the Seattle Seahawks have major issues to address before they face the Atlanta Falcons. They’re on a three-game losing streak. But the team started the season 3-0.

It’s hard to win games in the NFL. This Seahawks team has proven it can do that, regardless of what the most recent performances have told us. The three games in 11 days aren’t an excuse to lose three in a row, but it is a factor.

What reasons are there to feel good about Seattle’s chances of bouncing back from its skid? Through six games, what has been the team’s strengths even in defeat? Here are three reasons for positivity regarding the Seahawks.

Linebacker Tyrel Dodson, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, nose tackle Johnathan Hankins and safeties Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins are the only four defensive players to start all six games thus far for the Seahawks. Injuries have plagued this team, and Love has missed time despite each of his starts.

Riq Woolen, Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, Byron Murphy II, Jerome Baker and Uchenna Nwosu are all key defenders or starters for Seattle who have missed some or extensive time. It hasn’t all been at the same time, either. Seattle has been forced to reshuffle its starting lineup constantly.

Through the first three games, the Seahawks were mostly healthy. The defense looked like a top-tier unit in conjunction with head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme. Since then, the tight schedule only amplified Seattle’s issues — forcing players to get on the field even if they weren’t 100 percent.

Now, with a 10-day break, the Seahawks should get most of its starting lineup and premier backups back to health. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance the defense returns to form.

Despite losing the turnover battle 6-1 over its last three games, Seattle somehow still managed to keep itself within striking distance late in the defeats.

In the Seahawks’ three victories, the defense gave up 14.3 points per game and 248.7 yards per game. In the losses, the unit allowed 35.7 points per game and 430.7 yards. Seattle has scored at least 20 points per game but hasn’t done enough to crack the 30-point mark.

If the Seahawks can become more consistent in closing out games when leading or completing late comebacks, the wins may start funneling back in. That’s much more difficult said than done, but Seattle is yet to be blown out, which is a positive.

Seattle’s kryptonite has been its ball security issues. From special teams fumbles to DK Metcalf fumbling in key situations, to Geno Smith’s six interceptions in six games. More often than not, those turnovers have resulted in points for the other team and have demoralized the Seahawks.

On the other hand, Seattle’s defense has forced just one turnover in the three losses (a 102-yard fumble return score versus the Giants). That unit has to be better creating opportunities and points for the Seahawks. Macdonald’s Baltimore Ravens led the NFL in takeaways (31) last season and turnover margin (+12) — a strength that has yet to translate to his scheme with Seattle.

This season, Seattle is tied for second-worst in the league at a minus-six turnover margin. A talent issue would be much harder to fix mid-season. A ball security issue can be reversed.

The Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars meet Sunday in NHL action at the American Airlines Center. Here’s a Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken Prediction. This article will include a Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken Pick.

Seattle Kraken Betting Preview

The Seattle Kraken lost to the Blues, beat the Wild, and play the Predators next. The Seattle Kraken are averaging 3 goals per game and are scoring on 33.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Jordan Eberle leads Seattle with 2 goals, Andre Burakovsky has 2 assists, and Oliver Bjorkstrand has 8 shots on goal. Defensively, the Seattle Kraken are allowing 3.5 goals per game and are killing 57.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Philipp Grubauer has given up 3 goals on 25 shots faced, while Joey Daccord has allowed 4 goals on 38 shots.

Dallas Stars Betting Preview

The Dallas Stars beat the Predators and Islanders, and they play the Sharks, Capitals, and Oilers next. The Dallas Stars are averaging 3.5 goals per game and are scoring on 16.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Mason Marchment leads Dallas with 2 goals, Logan Stankoven has 3 assists and Thomas Harley has 7 shots on goal. Defensively, the Dallas Stars are allowing 1.5 goals per game and are killing 85.7 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jake Oettinger has allowed 3 goals on 70 shots faced.

Why the Dallas Stars will win

• The Kraken have lost each of their last five games at American Airlines Center.
• The Stars have won each of their last four games against the Kraken.
• The Stars have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight Sunday games.
• The Kraken have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games following a road win.
• The Stars have won the third period in each of their last four home games.

Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts

• Thomas Harley has recorded a point in each of the Stars’ last six home games against the Kraken.
• Wyatt Johnston has scored a goal in three of the Stars’ last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
• Jamie Benn has recorded at least one assist in six of the Stars’ last seven home games against the Kraken.

Seattle Kraken Player Prop Facts

• Tye Kartye has scored a goal in each of the Kraken’s last three road games.
• Jared McCann has recorded at least one assist in four of the Kraken’s last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• Jared McCann has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine road appearances after playing less than 20 minutes the previous day.

Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken Prediction

Both teams on the end of a back-to-back, it’s the home team that usually has the edge. The Kraken are also coming off a shootout game, so there’s no telling how those legs will hold up. The Dallas Stars are off to a fine start on the defensive side, and they’re typically a tough out at home. The Stars have won 4 straight games against the Kraken, outscoring them 12-5 during that span. I trust the Stars more, as we’re still feeling teams out. Give me the Stars and the PL for max betting value.