The Fifth Liners

Ever since Brett Hull's controversial goal to win the 1999 Stanley Cup against the Buffalo Sabres, fans in Texas have had a very up and down ride supporting the Dallas Stars ! But this season has held an even bigger shock, a rebuilt team that looks like it has the potential to shape into something special! Last years performance was neither glorious nor disastrous as Dallas came home 11th in the Western Conference and 5th in the Pacific Division, but their season was disrupted by the trade of Captain Brenden Morrow to Pittsburgh and Jaromir Jagr to Boston which deprived the team of their two biggest scorers and ensured they limped home to the finish! Tired with the lack of progress, former Stars hall of famer Joe Nieuwendyk was given the boot as GM and replaced by Jim Nill. But the off season however gave this team a major shot in the arm as Canadian National Team coach Lindy Ruff took control and offensively a well played out trade got many critics interested in this team as T...

Dallas Stars fans can now put a face to the new owner of the C emblem next season as Jamie Benn has officially been named as team captain for next season. After the departure of former skipper Brendan Morrow and Jaromir Jagr last season, the forward will have the hopes of the franchise resting on him for next season. The 24 year old led the Stars in scoring last year with 33 points and since been drafted 129 th overall in 2007, he has made his mark at the American Airlines Arena and so far has chalked up 82 goals and 193 points in 263 games. Upon his announcement, Benn informed the media "I'm deeply humbled and honoured to be named the captain of the Dallas Stars. I look forward to representing this organization, my teammates, our fans and this great city in our pursuit to bring another Stanley Cup to Dallas." Fellow forward Ray Whitney and defenseman Steve Robidas have been named as Alternate’s as Dallas seeks to rebuild on a season to forget last year....

Vancouver Canucks were given a soft shock yesterday as the Dallas Stars gave them a 5-1 walkover at the American Airlines Center! Despite Stars old boy and our current mister consistent, Derek Roy giving the Canucks the lead in the first period- a third period meltdown proved their undoing as goals from Cody Eakin, Jamie Benn, Ray Whitney and Erik Cole paved the way for a Dallas demolition! Although this doesnt harm their playoff chances too much- it is a worrying reminder of what happens when form deserts us! Cody Schneider still notched up an impressive 30 saves, but Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen went one better with 38 saves! Let's hope we can put this minor blemish behind us and focus on the task ahead- for a full game report go to NHL.com