Stars rule the West

Stars roster

Monday the Star took care of final pieces of off-season business by re-signing left wing Jamie Langenbrunner to a two-year contract. The Stars have re-signed most of their free agents with the exception of Benoit Hogue, who signed with Florida.

The biggest coup for the Stars this summer was the signing of Brett Hull, who just might be the player to complete the Stars' chemistry and bring the Stanley Cup to Dallas.

Hull has been playing preseason games in the same line with Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen. Coach Ken Hitchcock said he saw a good chemistry between them in the first practice.

"They're both not only so skilled, but so smart," Hull said of his linemates. "They know the game mentally. And that, to me, is the most important thing."

Hull seems to be happy not to be the team's only star player, who is expected to carry the team.

"It's harder to thrive in a system where you're a great player, and you're the only great player," Hull said. "But when you're one tooth on the wheel, that just makes everything go so much smoother and makes it so much easier for you to play the game."

Whether this will be the Stars' year remains to be seen, but all the ingredients for a great hockey season for Dallas are definitely in the Stars' mix.