Stars Hope to Follow Coyotes', Texas Rangers' Success in Uncertain Times

by Susan Slusser

Filed under: Stars, NHL Economics

DALLAS -- Bankruptcy and team ownership uncertainty -- suddenly, that's the unexpected path to the postseason.

"It's the trend!" Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk joked.

Dallas is dealing with one of those strange bankruptcy summers such as the one Phoenix had last year; the ownership group is up in the air, and financial matters are complicated, hindering any large additional payroll outlays.

But all Nieuwendyk has to do for inspiration is to look to the conference rival Coyotes, who had one of their best seasons ever even as their bankruptcy issues were continuing, and closer to home, the Texas Rangers, who are in first place in the American League West. The Stars and Rangers are in the same boat -- their upheaval was due to the failures of the same ownership group, headed up by Tom Hicks. But Texas is steaming toward what looks like its first playoff appearance in a decade.

"No doubt, we're certainly keeping an eye on the success they've had," Nieuwendyk told FanHouse on Thursday morning. "We'd like to follow in their footsteps."

 

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