The old adage that defense wins championships usually holds true when talking about sports. Nowhere is that more prevalent then in the NHL where a goaltender can single-handedly shut down an offense. Many times you will see a team play so much better than their opponent, but because the goaltender was on fire, they lose the game.

The Dallas Stars have been the team fortunate enough to have a goaltender keep them in the game most nights despite the play on the other end of the ice. However, as evident the past two nights against the Colorado Avalanche, the Stars need to provide a little help in front of the netminder.

On Monday night in Denver, the Stars gave up 48 shots in a 6-2 loss to the Avs. On Tuesday night in Dallas, the Stars gave up 29 shots in a 3-2 win against Colorado. The Stars won Tuesday night because goaltender Dan Ellis made huge save after huge save in the third period.

The Stars’ chances of making the playoffs may very well depend on their ability to defend in front of the net. Giving up 77 shots on goal in two games is not a very good way of trying to make the playoffs either. Dallas needs to improve on this side of the puck. This improvement has to start with the veterans like Sergei Gonchar and Alex Goligoski as well. The Stars need these veteran leaders to play like veteran leaders and show the younger guys. If Dallas can improve in front of the net, this team will be dangerous come playoff time.

Greg Higgins is a NHL contributor for Rantsports. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.

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