Dallas Stars: 2 Biggest Surprises Of The Season So Far

Every NHL team has now played 20 games this season, so we are starting to get a better understanding of what to expect from them moving forward. There have been certain players who have been big surprises thus far and it feels fair to shine a light on them. In this series, we will be looking at two from each team who certainly can be classified as that.

In this piece, we will be focusing on the Dallas Stars. After a slow start to the season, they have been turning things around significantly. Although they are sixth in the Central Division, they also are only two points away from the second place Colorado Avalanche. Thus, it's an extremely competitive division and these two players have been big reasons for their turnaround.

Jake Oettinger: Since being called up in mid November, Jake Oettinger has been insanely good. At this time, he has a 5-0-0 record, 1.41 GAA and .951 SV%. The 2017 first-round pick was quite solid in his rookie campaign, but who would have thought he'd be this excellent after another stint with the Texas Stars? The 22-year-old is putting Dallas in a tough spot, as he clearly is far too good to be back in the AHL. However, they also have three other NHL-caliber goaltender with Ben Bishop returning soon.

Braden Holtby: Speaking about goaltenders, how could we not talk about Braden Holtby? After a disastrous season with the Vancouver Canucks, the team bought him out and the Stars signed him over the summer. Clearly the decision was a smart one by Dallas, as Holtby has found his old form after two difficult campaigns. At this time, he has a 5-5-1 record, but a very impressive .923 SV%. With the Stars having so many goaltenders, one has to wonder if Holtby could be dealt, as he has an expiring deal. Yet, with how well he's playing, it isn't an easy call for the Stars.