Star gazing

Sporting News, The, Feb 15, 1999 by Mike Keenan

In the coming weeks, I'll be breaking down two top teams, one from each conference. And there are no better teams to start with than the Flyers and Stars.

The Flyers are on a roll, having gone 16-1-6 since a mid-November slump. They have taken command with their potent offense, solid goaltending and attention to defense. The Stars have been the class of the West for most of the season but have things to work on as they head toward the playoffs. They play a solid system, get timely scoring and have a strong defense to support their offense and goaltending.

To find the secret of the Flyers' recent success, look to the performance and leadership of top players such as Eric Lindros and John LeClair. Thanks to some nice moves by G.M. Bob Clarke, the Flyers are stronger and deeper at forward. Give Clarke credit for getting Keith Jones from the Avalanche, Andrei Kovalenko and Valeri Zelepukin from Edmonton and Mikael Renberg and Daymond Langkow from Tampa Bay. Those players have established a solid second line centered by Rod Brind'Amour and put backbone into the third and fourth lines.

Both teams have experienced goaltenders who have been to the Stanley Cup finals--the Flyers' John Vanbiesbrouck with the Panthers, the Stars' Ed Belfour with Chicago. Both want to win this time around.

Both teams have good offensive players on defense, most notably Eric Desjardins of the Flyers and Sergei Zubov and Darryl Sydor of the Stars. Because they have better speed and talent, the Stars have an edge on defense. They also have big Derian Hatcher, a nasty guy to play against.

Rumors continue that the Flyers might deal for a defenseman who can add speed and passing in the transition game.

The Flyers have better forwards, the Stars have better defensemen, and the goaltenders are even. Life is like that at the top.

Former NHL coach Mike Keenan is in his second season as an exclusive NHL analyst for THE SPORTING NEWS. E-mail him at keenan@sportingnews.com and look for his weekly e-mail bag at sportingnews.com.