I think a game like tonight is exactly why Army wants to push us to be competitive and make the playoffs. Make no mistake, the Stars play playoff-style hockey and we clearly do not (yet). They win puck battles, they use their frames to shield the puck extremely well, they play with poise and confidence, and they run that slight interference-that-isn't-quite-a-penalty that you see in the playoffs. It's big-boy hockey the likes of which we played at our best, and we need to play against on a consistent basis so that all of our young players have a true measuring stick for what winning hockey looks like.
The Stars did an incredible job throwing slight interference though all aspects of the game. I think that's why Thomas was so pissed off at that one call, they've been chipping us all game and the one time we try it you call us on it? He was also visibly upset with the linesman all game, most noticeably after he lost the final face-off to Duchene.
The Dallas Stars might have some detractors on this board, but they are the odds-on favorite (Possibly second to the Panthers) to win the Stanley Cup. They are a battle hardened team that has made back to back Western Conference Finals and who's core is a great blend of players mostly in their primes, supplemented by older, still viable vets and younger guys with great skill who can win matchups down the lineup card. I'd love to see us play them ten more times this season, and I can totally understand why Army doesn't want to pull the plug and sink to the bottom, b/c man once you do that it's hard to build a culture back up again to play the right way and win in this league.