The Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup Window Could Be Closing Faster Than Expected

The Dallas Stars, despite being one of the NHL's most consistent regular-season teams since 2018 — missing the playoffs just once and winning 10 postseason series in eight seasons — were eliminated by the Minnesota Wild in six games during the most recent playoffs, being outscored 15-5 in three of those losses. Dallas finished second in the Central Division for the second consecutive season, partly aided by overtime and shootout 'loser' points. The lopsided playoff defeat has raised concerns that the Stars' Stanley Cup contention window may be closing sooner than anticipated.