Confidence is an important part of Stars defenseman John Klingberg's game, and right now he is playing with confidence.
Klingberg has been on a nice run recently, registering points in seven of the past eleven games and tallying four goals and five assists during that stretch. Klingberg, who got off to a rocky start this season, is starting to look like the player that ranked fifth among NHL defensemen in scoring with 58 points (10 goals, 48 assists) and finished sixth in the Norris Trophy voting in 2015-16.
"I think with the team playing better lately, the confidence has grown with me," Klingberg said. "I like where [my game] is right now. I think I have been playing defensively really good and offensively I've been in on a lot of chances too."
Klingberg's improved play has mirrored the team's better play, which started in early December. After posting a minus-ten rating his first 23 games, Klingberg has been a plus-eight over his past 18. During that stretch the Stars have seen improved defensive play, allowing just 2.44 goals against per game. The offense has picked up recently for the Stars, who are averaging 3.11. goals per game over their past nine games, and Klingberg has been a part of that.
"It's just a combination of the fact the team is playing better now, and there are better avenues for him going up ice to join," said Stars coach Lindy Ruff. "I think he's making quicker decisions. He's getting more pucks to the net."
John Klingberg finding his stride
Stars defenseman playing with confidence and the points are starting to come