The Stars' strategy to get back into the playoffs isn't complicated.
But it is hard.
Ken Hitchcock's plan to create offense from checking is a work in progress, and the Stars saw just how much work when they went through a span of more than 122 minutes without a goal on their three-game road trip through California. It was a frustrating time, particularly for the top players, who have led in offensive production all season.
So when Tyler Seguin scored a huge goal on a third period tip Thursday en route to a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, there was a certain amount of relief, and a certain amount of pride.