Just How Tough did Glen Gulutzan Have It in 2011-12? Let's Find Out

Let's see how the rookie coach measured up against the defending Western Conference Champions

This is going to be long, so I’ll just tell you now: Today, we’re going to look back at a big Glen Gulutzan game from the 2012 stretch run.

As you’ve heard, Gulutzan never really got a full arsenal to play with in Dallas. But what do we mean when we say that, exactly? I wanted to dig into a game against a really good team when the Stars were fighting for a playoff spot, just to see if the Stars were really a “happy to be there” bunch, or if Gulutzan was squeezing a bit more juice from the orange.

For starters, let’s take stock of the team as it stands on February 26, 2012. Here are the team’s goal leaders 62 games into the season. As you can see, Eric Nystrom, who was acquired from Minnesota for Future Considerations in order to help Dallas reach the salary cap floor, was a big offensive threat that year.

Would you believe this version of the Stars will finish the season 22nd in the NHL goals scored, with a -16 goals differential? Well, yes, you probably would. But let’s go back and watch this game in particular, because there’s much more to be gleaned. By which I mean, “let’s look at some video and pictures and 5,000 words about a game you have surely forgotten, unless you were there.”

This is Stars Thoughts at our most insufferably nostalgic. Glad you’re here for it. Shall we?