The evolution was slower than Jim Montgomery would have hoped. The offensive zone possession was lacking, the defensive breakouts weren't crisp, the power play bobbed between good and bad, and the Stars' overall play was inconsistent from night to night.
Entering Friday night's eventual 2-1 overtime win over Washington at the American Airlines Center, the Stars appeared to have found the formula for success. They'd collected points in four straight games. The power play scored in three straight. The offense pumped 40-plus shots on goal in three straight games.
Then came the test of the defending Stanley Cup champions.