The Stars' problems are many and varied this season, but the mixed assortment of deficiencies has created one very real explanation on why this team is expected to miss the playoffs for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.
They can't put together a winning streak.
Dallas was hoping to string together three victories in a row for just the second time this season Wednesday, but instead melted like a box of chocolates at an Easter barbecue in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators at American Airlines Center. The Stars conveniently packaged a season's worth of excuses into one game, including pulling the goalie, giving up two power-play goals and tallying another "own goal.