What does it take to build a team of fast play and creative thinking?

The Stars are in the middle of a challenging transition, and so far, everything seems to be working pretty well.
In getting a new coaching staff and adding some key players, the Stars stated during the off-season that they wanted to be better at scoring goals. At the same time, new bench boss Pete DeBoer said he wanted to build on the defensive structure that has been a hallmark of the franchise for years and didn't want to lose that by being too risky.

Now, 17 games into the season, Dallas not only improved its scoring by a goal a game (2.84 to 3.88), but is also better on defense compared to last season (2.98 to 2.76). It's an impressive feat, and one that has taken a lot of work.
"I think it's a bunch of things," DeBoer said when asked about the sharp change in numbers. "Our power play has been really good, we've scored short-handed goals, we've gotten goals from everywhere, we've gotten some depth goals, and I think Jim has added some guys to the roster, whether it's Wyatt Johnston or Mason] Marchment, who have come in and produced. We've gotten bounce-back from the guys we wanted bound back from, in [Jamie] Benn and [Tyler is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika*