Since the 2002/03 season, the Stars haven't missed the playoffs with Turco as their backstop either.
But when you got to post season hockey, Turco turned into a different story. Although he appeared fairly solid in the playoffs his first time (2002/03), Turco quickly went downhill the next two trips. He ended up going 2-8 and his playoff stats were abhorrent, with a save percentage almost averaging less than .850, and a GAA over 3.30.
But then he faced Vancouver in the first round of the 2006/07 season. He didn't win, but he did the next best thing—if that's possible in the playoffs—in shutting out the Canucks three times that series, basically giving Dallas every opportunity to win.
Coming into this season, the expectations were raised on Turco and, despite splitting time a little more often this past season, Turco turned in an excellent post season once again, coming within smelling distance of the Stanley Cup finals.
Despite his age (33), Turco is primed for yet another solid season, and, along with the team ahead of him, Turco and youngster Tobias Stephan may take Dallas right through to the Cup final this season.
Ken's Take: For multiple years Stars fans looked for a scapegoat to end the playoff exit woes, and the organization responded by increasing Turco's contract. This increased faith paid off last season and places one of the best clutch goalies in the NHL in front of one of the most talented teams.
Not since Eddie "The Eagle" has a goalie in Dallas been so highly respected and been such a key to the team's success. It only makes sense since Turco learned from one of the best in Belfour
Morrow'ver Modano, this is Brendan's town now!
As Sergei Zubov is the most familiar face on the blue line, as is Mike Modano up front.
Quite possibly one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) American hockey players to ever live, Modano is looking forward to wrapping up his Hall of Fame career with another championship with the Dallas Stars.
Although Modano's age is starting to limit his production (just 57 points last season), Modano still provides a little bit of goal-scoring capability (He's only scored fewer than 20 goals once since 1994), and strong, experienced leadership.
Along those same lines will be Jere Lehtinen. The three-time Selke winner may have been trying to improve his offense the past few seasons, but whether his totals fall
back to earth this season or not (15-20 goals most likely), the Stars still feature one of the most experienced two-way players the NHL has.
Two of the biggest sources of offense for the Stars this season though, will be Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro. Ribeiro, signed to a five-year extension in January, had a career year last season with Dallas gathering 83 points, and 27 goals. What's even better about his career season is that Ribeiro was fairly consistent throughout, as his longest point-less streak was only three games.
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