The Dallas Stars’ struggle in goal in 2015-16 was evident, but the team might not immediately look for an upgrade between the pipes.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com reports Stars general manager Jim Nill might end up upgrading his shoddy goaltending situation in the offseason, but he writes Dallas might be patient in acquiring a goalie and stick with the status quo entering the season.
“Yes, the Stars need an upgrade in goal, and perhaps GM Jim Nill gets it over the next few weeks, if it makes sense. But I also think Nill is willing to be very patient and start the season with Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi and perhaps wait until closer to the trade deadline next March to see what’s out there, especially with some teams needing to jockey ahead of a June 2017 expansion draft, where you can protect only one goalie.”
It would be a risky move to keep Niemi and Lehtonen going forward. While their contracts are borderline unmovable, the Stars can’t let poor goaltending cost them again. Their goaltending finished 27th in the NHL with a .916 even strength save percentage. Despite that, Dallas still finished with the best record in the Western Conference with 109 points. But, poor goaltending cost the team in the playoffs as the Stars were ousted in seven games to the St. Louis Blues.
The Stars are going to be a great hockey team in 2016-17, but with improved goaltending they would be unstoppable. Niemi and Lehtonen can get it done during the regular season, but counting on them in the playoffs would be unwise. Finding a solution between the pipes sooner than later should be Nill’s number one priority. There’s no need to wait on the decision.
The Stars need good goaltending and waiting won’t help anything.
