Stars raise 2020 Western Conference champions banner

The Dallas Stars did a little redecorating of the rafters in American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The team raised their Western Conference championship banner before their first game since their appearance in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.

"That was great and the fans really responded to that. That was good for the guys to see that," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "But we've talked a lot through camp that we have to put last season behind us and we have to get ready for this year. So, it's nice to see."
It had been 318 days since the team played a game in their home arena after the 2019-20 NHL season was paused due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, a fact they pointed out in a video shared on social media prior to the game Friday.

The Stars entered the bubble in Edmonton as the No. 3 seed and earned their way to the West title beating the sixth-seeded Calgary Flames, second-seeded Colorado Avalanche and top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights. They eventually lost to the 2020 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I think the guys appreciate it. I don't think they lost their focus. I don't think they got overwhelmed by it. It was great to see and they're rewarded with that banner," Bowness said. "But now it's a new season, we put last year behind us and we're moving on. There's no guarantee of a playoff spot this year and we're going to have to work for everything we get. Tonight was a good step in that direction."