The Dallas Stars head into Game 1 of their first round playoff matchup against the Avalanche with the tails between their legs as their season ended on a disastrous note. Things didn’t get much better after their season finale, as it was announced that forward Jason Robertson would miss Game 1 after leaving the game with a lower body injury. With their leading scorer to miss the beginning of the round, many will wonder who will step up to lead the way in his absence.
Jason Robertson has been the driving force behind the Stars offense all season. The forward took his play up a notch in the second half of the season as he notched 29 points in 27 games, 15 of which came via goal. The Stars will now be behind the eight-ball in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Avalanche after riding into the postseason upon a massive losing streak. Now they will really have their hands full of Roberston out of the equation. Many will wonder who among the Dallas roster will rise to the occasion as the leading scorer is week-to-week.
Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene have been the secondary wave of scorers for the Stars this season, and many will hope they can continue to bring that play with them into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wyatt Johnston has emerged as a dangerous scorer with 33 goals and 71 points. When he is not supplying the points and goals, Johnston has also shown his ability and desire to throw his body around. Duchene has also gotten in on the action as he accumulated 30 goals along with 80 points.
Another name that comes to mind when wondering who will fill the shoes of Jason Robertson is that of Tyler Seguin. The Stars veteran returned from long-term injure reserve to play in the last game of the season in Nashville. Seguin was on a roll before hip surgery sidelined him, scoring 20 points in 19 games. He showed no signs of rust as he assisted on Mason Marchment’s goal in the opening seconds.
No matter who steps up in Jason Robertson’s absence, Stars fans and plays alike will hope that they make their presence be known and felt early on. The list of weapons the Avalanche possess is vast, and the Stars can only hope to weather the storm en route to a Game 1 win.
