Dallas Stars: Ales Hemsky Has Been An Added Bonus To Offense

Though he’s had rough stretches this season, Ales Hemsky has found his groove, providing the Dallas Stars with some extra offense.

When the Dallas Stars signed Ales Hemsky during the summer of 2014, they expected a gifted right winger capable of using vision and puck handling to get his way against opposing goalies.

At the end of his 2014-15 campaign, Hemsky had a total of 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists). Those numbers were off from his normal averages in a season.  But he had been battling injury, something that had troubled him just a couple of seasons before his move to Dallas.

It was later revealed that Hemsky had undergone hip surgery along with Jamie Benn. The procedure took place almost immediately after the season was over and it took Hemsky the entire summer to get back into shape for the 2015-16 campaign.

As his second year with the Stars grew nearer, it was clear that his spot in the top six on offense was going to be tested. With newly-acquired Patrick Sharp and young forward Mattias Janmark in the mix, Hemsky needed to be better in order to keep his position on the second line.

After the first 38 games of the season, Hemsky had registered just 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists). It was obvious early on that he was still trying to get his legs back under him after such a critical surgery. As a result of his slow start, Hemsky was bounced around a lot, starting on different lines.

However, since Jan. 16, Hemsky has been a different player. In the 16 games played since then, he’s added 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) and has flashed the incredible skating he’s shown us in the past.

That hasn’t been the only way Hemksy has impacted the offense for the Stars either. His ability to create chances has brought many opportunities to a Stars team with the second-best offense in the league.

During his most recent streak, Hemsky has generated shot totals of seven, five and three (5x), further proving the fact that he is being more active in the zone and is looking for more ways to score.

The most consistent line Hemsky plays on consists of Jason Spezza and Mattias Janmark, a perfect trio, each with skills that work together. It’s best for a player like Hemsky to play on a line with a great passer like Spezza because of his ability to make the game flow so much smoother.

Hemsky has been quick to give them credit before:

"“I played with Janny earlier, and that helps. I think we have chemistry. He is a good player, good passer, good speed. And obviously, I’ve played with Spezz, so that’s been good in the past.”"

Recently, Hemsky has also had chances to play with Valeri Nichushkin, another one of the many young talents in Dallas.

One thing that remains to be seen is if Hemsky can continue to play at the level he has been playing at lately. For a Stars team that hasn’t exactly played the best hockey in past weeks, his offense has been huge in giving the team the boost that they need.

Having him playing solid games is something that would be huge for the Stars come Playoff time. His veteran experience would be a benefit for the younger players on the team.

Next: Trade Deadline Options For The Stars

Overall, Ales Hemsky is a player that the Stars could use to finish the stretch run. His playmaking is something every team could use during one of the most important times of the season.