With Brendan Morrow gone for the season or at least for a long period of time, Dallas is done for in my opinion. It all began with the signing of Avery which is the beginning of the end for the team. Time to blow it up and and start from scratch. my thoughts http://jib-sports-culture.blogspot.com/2008/11/morrow-out-for-season-stars-are-done.html

Posted by JH on 11/22/08 at 05:29 PM ET

I have to disagree with this assessment that, “It all began with the signing of Avery which is the beginning of the end for the team.” Brett Hull answered any questions about the signing of Avery and how players on the team disliked him in an expletive-laced interview on the matter, which can be found at the following URL, http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=oneononewithstarscogmbre&prov=tsn&type=lgns. To sum up his comments on Avery, he basically says he’s been playing hurt and has been one of the hardest working players on the ice for the Stars, along with there being no problem with him among the teammates and/or in the locker room.

I don’t think Dallas is completely out of it, either. They still have Richards, Ribeiro, Loui breaking out, Zubov coming back and hopefully Lehtinen will stop being injured for more than 3-5 games. Both of those “pickups” should greatly improve any defensive issues and possibly alleviate some of the crappy play of Turco. There are going to be 1 or 2 good goalies available this season (1 of the 3 in Edmonton and Huet are the ones that immediately come to mind) if they choose to go that route, and there are a few good possible pickups to be had via trade, although they don’t have too much to give in return. Long story short, with an all-around improved Defense because of the return of 2, yes 2, players in Lehtinen and Zubov, this team can still be in the playoffs. And I like Avery. You would want him on your team, too.

Posted by Jason from Belleville, IL on 11/23/08 at 02:30 AM ET