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The Dallas Stars are probably the most underrated team in the National Hockey League. Yes, they have Mike Modano, the highest point scorer born in the United States. Sure, Marty Turco is consistently one of the best goalkeepers in the entire league. What about Sergei Zubov, who is one of the best defensemen around? Oh, and did I mention Mike Ribeiro, one of this season's highest point scorers in the league? They have made it to the playoffs all but two years since the 1993-1994 season, their first season in Dallas. Does anyone remember that they won the Stanley Cup in 1999?

What everyone remembers is the Stars' knack for choking in the important games. Late in the season they were second in the Western Conference and just a few points behind the Detroit Red Wings; the Stars suddenly could not win a game. Before the smoke could clear, the Dallas Stars found themselves at third place in the Pacific Division. And who can forget the past few years' devastating first round losses in the playoffs? Worst of all is Marty Turco, the brilliant netminder, allowing goal after goal to score when playing some of the weakest teams in the division.

But this playoff year is different. They are focused and ready to take on any team. The Dallas Stars have a difficult opponent in the Anaheim Ducks, but the Stars have shown in the first two games that they mean business. Their attack on the power play has scored some stunning goals. Their penalty killing ability has virtually shut down the Ducks offense. With the injury of Sergei Zubov, Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley have stepped up their defensive play. Marty Turco's superb saves are like viewing a goaltending clinic. With the help of Jere Lehtinen and Loui Eriksson, the goal scoring trio of Mike Modano , Mike Ribeiro, and Brenden Morrow have shown that they have what it takes to win games.

The Dallas Stars are out to prove that they do not need all the media attention or nationally televised games. The talent of the whole team is more important than the "superstar" status of one or two players. After all, it is the play of the team that will win the 2008 Stanley Cup for the Dallas Stars.

Learn more about this author, Julie Diaz.
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