Texas Stars stage midseason turnaround after rocky six-game skid

After a brutal opening stretch that included a six-game losing skid, the Texas Stars turned a season that looked aimless into one with real momentum. The turnaround centered on steadier goaltending, a power play that began producing again, and tactical changes from a new head coach that tightened the team's structure.

The most visible catalyst was Rémi Poirier, whose timely performances earned him AHL Player of the Week honors and helped stabilize the crease. Poirier logged heavy minutes and delivered the saves the Stars needed while the defense simplified lane coverage and reduced high-danger chances. Those defensive adjustments, combined with hot goaltending, turned one-goal games the other way and stemmed the early bleeding.

Special teams were another tangible improvement. After sputtering early, the Stars’ power play found more seams and started converting opportunities at a higher clip. That added production forced opposing coaches to respect Texas on the man-advantage, opening up 5-on-5 space. The team also settled in at home, delivering a sturdier sellout-to-sellout performance that translated into better home-ice results and helped lift the club in the Central Division standings.

None of the progress came without context. The club endured notable personnel losses over the offseason that altered the lineup and required younger pieces to fill bigger roles. A new head coach needed time to install systems and identify which forwards and defensemen could carry heavy minutes. Early-season rust and chemistry issues contributed to the losing streak, but the combination of coaching tweaks, Poirier’s emergence, and improved special teams produced a run where Texas earned points in the majority of recent games.

Statistically, the indicators line up with the narrative: an improved recent record, measurable power-play uptick, and leaders in goalie minutes and saves driving better outcomes. Those numbers helped the Stars climb toward the middle of the Central Division and restore some home-ice confidence that had been missing.

The most important question now is sustainability. Can Texas keep the goalie play consistent, maintain special-teams efficiency, and avoid injuries long enough to make a meaningful second-half push? The answers will determine whether this stretch was a short-term hot streak or the start of a legitimate climb.

The takeaway? This team has shown it can right the ship when key pieces click. If you’re heading to a Stars game, pay attention to Poirier on the scoreboard and the power play setup — those areas are the difference-makers. Our two cents? Catch them at home while they’re trending up and enjoy the ride.