2007 Dallas Stars

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Detroit Red Wings, winners of the 2008 Stanley Cup, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Dallas Stars for the thrilling season they had, finishing 3rd in the notoriously tough Pacific Division!

Ageless wonder Mike Modano and superstar Mike Ribeiro have guided the Dallas Stars to a consistent season and a solid 97-point performance. The Stars had trouble winning at the American Airlines Center late in the season, which has brought questions about how long the team can last in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, with the always-dangerous Marty Turco in goal, strong defense could be just the ticket to Dallas Stars playoff excellence.

The Dallas Stars are back on the ice at American Airlines Center for the 2007-2008 season, and this time they have something to prove after being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round (though placing third in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division is nothing to be ashamed of!). Adding forwards Brad Winchester and Todd Fedoruk in the off season injects some youth to the aging roster, and as long as Mike Modano and Brenden Morrow stay injury free, the Stars have a real shot at the Stanley Cup this season. Get your tickets to American Airlines Center and be there to watch the Dallas Stars in action!

Seeded #2 among the eight Western Conference hockey teams in the 2005-06 NHL Playoffs, the Dallas Stars had plenty of postseason experience. The franchise had previously made it into the tournament 26 times, first as the Minnesota North Stars, and many times since their 1993 move to Dallas, including all but one year of play since 1997. The Stars had gone all the way to capture the Stanley Cup only once, in 1998-99. Dallas fans snatched up tickets to see them face off against the #7 seeded Colorado Avalanche to see if this would be the year the Stars would do it again. It was not to be, however, as the Avalanche buried them in five games, only to be eliminated by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in four straight.

Although the Stars have only played in Dallas since 1993, hockey has been a fan favorite since the early 40's. The first team to call Dallas home was the USHL's Dallas Texans, who first made their appearance during World War II. The Big D has also played host to the CHL's Blackhawks from 1967 to 1982 and the Texas Freeze from 1992-1994. Many doubted hockey's ability to establish a strong support base in Texas, but the Dallas Stars have been successful in proving them wrong.

Since coming to Texas in 1993, the Dallas Stars have successfully established themselves as a major contender in the Western Conference's Pacific Division. They won the Stanley Cup in just their fifth season (1999), as well as an appearance in the 2000 finals. The Dallas Stars have proved to be a mainstay in the NHL Postseason, and they are in the hunt for the Stanley Cup year in and year out. They currently share the state-of-the-art American Airlines Center with the up and coming Dallas Mavericks, and both teams have been giving the city of Dallas something to cheer about in recent years.

This year, coach Dave Tippett and the Stars look to improve from last year's second round playoff elimination to the Mighty Ducks. They are led up-front by center Jason Arnott and left wing Mike Modono, and their defense is anchored by Manny Malhorta. Goalie Marty Turco also looks to have a good year after last year's sensational performance.

The Dallas Stars are also sporting a new third jersey this year at selected home games. The last time the Stars wore a third jersey was during the 1998-1999 season, the year they took home the Stanley Cup. Be sure to attend one of their games and be a part of what is sure to be a great season.