Stars making strides defensively

The Dallas Stars' record over the past eight games is just 4-4-0, but there have been some positive trends over those eight games, especially on the defensive side of things.
The Stars have allowed 16 goals in those eight games or 2.0 per game. That's a big step forward for a team that ranked dead last in the NHL in goals against (3.40 per game) at the beginning of December.
"When you're the worst in the league at goals against, something has to change," said Stars coach Lindy Ruff. "We made a big change going into Colorado (December 3), and since then I think it's helped our defense. It's been a structure change with how we play, and I think it's really helped them. With that has come some confidence."
The Stars have allowed two goals or fewer in six of the past eight games, a stretch that started with a 3-0 win in Colorado. They've allowed only six goals during five-on-five play during that stretch. So, the changes have paid dividends.
"Just a couple tweaks that makes it easier for us to play and helps us lock up the neutral zone," said Stars defenseman Jordie Benn. "We like to play that way, and if we work hard, we're good."

"It's a system that's a little easier to defend with. It takes away the neutral zone speed," said Stars defenseman Dan Hamhuis. "It's attention to detail. Individually, we've been a lot better, especially the defense. We've been a lot better getting out of our end quicker."
The Stars (13-14-6) are still trying to put together a good run and move up the standings. Putting together consecutive wins has been a challenge, but there is the belief that getting the defensive game in order is a key part of the process.
"That's where it starts," said Hamhuis. "Everybody is playing good defense now. Systems are designed to shut down top players. It's harder to generate offensive chances. It's ugly goals that go in, so it really is defense that can make the difference. You've got to expect it to be a 1-0, 2-1 game. That's how we need to win."
The Stars believe their offense can make a difference as well. While the goals against has tightened in the past eight games, the goal scoring continues to be up and down. The Stars have scored 21 goals (2.63 per game) but eleven of those came in two games. For the season, the Stars rank 18th in the league at 2.54 goals per game.
"This year has been up and down in all categories," said Benn. "[The offense] will come, get a little confidence in the room. We're playing pretty well right now. Hopefully, we can get a few more wins under our belt."
The Stars have been in every game over the past eight and felt they let points get away in losses to Philadelphia on Dec. 10 and the New York Rangers Thursday. Saturday's 3-1 win over Philadelphia at American Airlines Center that snapped the Flyers' winning streak at ten games was a big shot of confidence and a game they hope will be a building block.
"Our team confidence is building the last eight games or so, and it was nice to be rewarded with a big win against Philly," Hamhuis said. "We've been playing well for a while. We've seen this coming."
Oduya unlikely to play Tuesday
\Stars defenseman Johnny Oduya did not practice Monday but did skate after on his own. Oduya, who missed part of Saturday's game with a lower-body injury, is unlikely to play Tuesday against St. Louis.
"Johnny will just be day to day," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "He went out after practice to see how it feels. We will probably know more tomorrow. He's in the category of unlikely."
\Stars forward Patrick Sharp practiced Monday. He has missed the past eight games with concussion-like symptoms.
"He practiced full today, so he's getting closer to a return," Ruff said.
Monday's practice lineup
Here's how the Stars lined up in practice Monday. Patrick Eaves (maintenance) did not practice. Johnny Oduya (lower body) skated after practice.
Antoine Roussel - Radek Faksa - Brett Ritchie
Jamie Benn - Tyler Seguin - Patrick Sharp
Lauri Korpikoski - Jason Spezza - Jiri Hudler
Curtis McKenzie - Devin Shore - Adam Cracknell/Cody Eakin
Esa Lindell - John Klingberg
Dan Hamhuis - Stephen Johns
Patrik Nemeth/Jamie Oleksiak - Jordie Benn
Antti Niemi
Kari Lehtonen
This story was not subject to approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.