When Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella told the media that he wanted his team to focus on getting back to structured basics earlier today, I thought it might not bode well for the Dallas Stars.
After all, they’ve struggled a bit playing against teams that play that style this season. Coming off of a 6-0 thrashing of the San Jose Sharks at home on New Year’s Eve, and in the midst of a big home stand, this game had all the markings of a “trap game” — one easily overlooked on the schedule.