Stars vs. Preds... again

 As the Stars get ready for yet another Playoff Series the first foe standing in their way from their unprecedented 4th EHE Stanley Cup are the Nashville Predators, again. When looking at the way the season ended for them though, it may be themselves that will be the toughest team to overcome. 

Was it all the trades? Was it the string of injuries? Was it Carey Price coming back? What was the the issue with the team that has been to the Final the last 3 year? "Looking back, maybe I did make too many trades, too quick" exclaimed GM Tang. "I didn't have it in my mind that I wanted to make a certain number of trades, but when certain guys become available, you kind of just get tunnel vision and find a way to complete the trade."

 Around the halway mark of the year this team looked like the Dallas Stars of old as they were the first team to 60 points and had a top line that had 3 guys in the top 8 in points. Everything seemed to be clicking. They then proceeded to completely fall off, as they were only able to amass 32 points to end the season with 92 points, the lowest of any playoff team.

 "The second half of the season was not what any of us were expecting, but we cannot let that translate into the playoffs", Captain Romi Jose stated. "We have been here in the past, we know what is expected of us this time of the year. We are in the playoffs and thats the first step." When asked if the trades this season through off the balance of the team Josi was quick to reject the notion. "We can't let that become a narrative. When you have a GM that is willing to bring in guys like Hedman, Cirelli and Bones, you have to be thankful and show that with your play on the ice. It is part of the job, guys come, guys go, but when on the ice we all need to be better once that puck drops in Nashville."

 When asked about offseason plans and if he plans to shake up the team further GM Tang quipped, "We are still playing, there is no time to think about the offseason, we will leave that to other teams. We have one focus and that is on obtaining Championship #4." After asking what challenges the Predators posses, Tang was quick to answer, "You obviously have to start down the middle. They may have the best 1,2 punch at center in the league. But I think we can take advantage of their depth. They may have the top 2 players in this series, but we feel like we have the next 8 or so best players, so hopefully that is something that we can lean on."

 Only time will tell how this tumultuous season will end, but hopefully for GM Tang and the rest of the Stars, it won't be anytime soon.