There are lots of reasons to believe the Stars will be better in the second half. They're 12-6-2 in their last 20 games. Their goals-against average has dropped consistently over each 10-game segment of the season. And two of their best defensive players are back after missing significant time.
Defenseman Marc Methot missed 27 games with a knee injury. The 32-year-old was acquired in trade over the summer and brings a wealth of experience in strong structured defensive play.
Methot still has some work to do in getting up to 100 percent.
"I felt a little weird right off the bat," Methot said of his return.