Falling Stars

Like most knowledgeable hockey writers, I looked at the preseason rosters and made my predictions. I would be telling a bold face lie if I didn't come clean about where I had pick the Dallas Stars to finish in the Pacific division. That would be first or certainly at worst second and certainly a strong contender for the Stanley Cup. The 2008-2009 Stars seemed to have all the requisite pieces in place to make a cup run. They had acquired Sean Avery to add snarl, speed and offense to an all ready strong skating team. They had reacquired Serge Zubov. Zubov would once again provide not only solid defense, great speed and passing, he would also be the power play "quarterback" that all successful man advantage situations require. That was then. This is now. The wheels have fallen off and the once promising season is now in a state of chaos! First, team captain Brendan Marrow went down with a season-ending knee injury, then Sean Avery opened his big mouth and brought about his banishment, and if that's not enough, Zubov will no longer be available as he will undergo what is sure to be season-ending hip surgery. Woe are the Dallas Stars. They don't deserve this fate. Well, as they say, good luck next year!