As shots, goals trend upward, Stars hope more wins will follow

Stars (11-12-10, 32 points) vs. Predators (19-17-1, 39 points)

The Stars have made a concerted effort to get more shots on goal, and they have accomplished that in recent weeks.
In the past 17 games, Dallas is outshooting the opposition, 539-406. That averages out to 31.7 for and 23.8 against. The 31.7 is 1.9 shots per game better than the Stars' season average of 29.8 (which ranks 14th).
It's a nice sign that the team can set a goal and then change the way the numbers roll out.
"We're not scoring until we put more pucks on the net, and we've been after the guys for a while about shot attempts and shot mentality," said Stars coach Rick Bowness. "Five-on-five, if you start getting shots and rebound, you're going to start getting the defensive team scrambling around. We're trying to get our D a lot more involved and they're a lot more involved now."
The Stars are getting more goals at 3.08 per game during the past 17 than their season average of 2.73 (currently 19th), so that is a good thing. However, the team is 5-6-6 in that span, and that is concerning. Still, the coaching staff has to look at the good trends and hope that the record will follow.

"The shot attempts, we've wanted to improve on that. In terms of our goals, the end result isn't there yet," Bowness said. "We just need to score more goals, that's been the same story all year. The crucial goal at the right time of the game … you've got a 2-1 lead and you need that third goal…we just didn't get it last game."
Dallas ranks second in the league in shots on goal against at 26.8 and has allowed just 23.8 against Nashville in five games this season. Still, the Stars are 2-0-3 in their five meetings with the Predators while Nashville is 3-2-0. Of course, a lot of that swing comes in the fact that Nashville has found a way to win all of the games that have gone past regulation, but you do have to wonder if those games should have been won by the Stars in regulation.
Dallas has tossed an average of 30.6 shots on net against Nashville, so it just needs to stick with the plan and try to execute better.
"You can't get discouraged," Bowness said. "You have to keep putting the puck on the net."

Robertson, Preds' Tolvanen in Calder Trophy conversation

The Stars and Predators have two players who are finding a way to get themselves into the mix for the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie.
Dallas' Jason Robertson had 16 points in the Month of March, the first Stars rookie to do that since Jere Lehtinen in 1996. On the other side of the ice, Nashville's Eeli Tolvanen has 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in the past 13 games.
In three games against the Stars this season, Tolvanen has three goals and four assists for seven points.

"He's been unbelievable," Nashville captain Roman Josi said. "I mean, his shot is great, and I think the thing that impressed me the most is his work ethic. He's forechecking, he's hitting, and obviously the shot, everybody sees his goal scoring ability, but he's been really good and his work ethic has been really impressive."
Robertson is getting the same buzz from his teammates.
"He's taking strides every day," defenseman John Klingberg said. "I feel like he's getting more comfortable around the guys as well. You can tell that he's got confidence out there on the ice. We know he's a very skilled player. What I like from him right now, it seems like he's playing with a lot of poise and the puck seems to find him. He's a smart player."

Lineup updates

Anton Khudobin will be in net for the Stars.
Alexander Radulov (lower body) is not on the trip. Roope Hintz (lower body) is a game-time decision.

By the numbers

9-8-7

Dallas is 9-8-7 when outshooting opponents and 2-4-3 when being outshot.

454

Nashville leads the NHL in shots that missed the net with 454.

6

Nashville has won six straight games. The Stars have not put together consecutive wins since Game 4 of the season.

He said it

"We're all aware of where we are, we're all aware of what going on around the league. That's automatic, it's our life. We've got to know the standings and what's going on around the league on a day-to-day basis, so we're all following that. Regardless of that, the only thing that matters is tonight's game. We're playing the team we have to catch in the standings to make the playoffs." -- Bowness
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.