Stars have a chance to prove they’re postseason-ready

In a way, Jim Nill has been trying to build two teams.

One will take the ice during the regular season, when open space is more available, scoring is higher, the stakes are lower and a playoff spot is the primary goal. The other will take the ice during the postseason, when physicality reigns, scoring dips, each goal is monumental and the Stanley Cup is on the line.

“You've got to be skilled enough to, some nights (in the regular season), win games when you probably shouldn't,” Nill said. “Then in the playoffs, you've got to have an identity. You've got to have a structure to you. You've got to have good goaltending. You've got to have the physicality to survive in the playoffs.”

The Stars have said all season that they are a team built for the playoffs _ with their stingy defense, rigid goaltending and veteran roster. They'll get their chance to prove it in August, when the NHL returns with an adjusted postseason. Dallas will play in a round robin with St. Louis, Colorado and Vegas to determine seeding for the postseason, and it has already secured a spot in the first round.

The Stars begin training camp Monday in Frisco. The team's first game back is Aug. 3 against Vegas in Edmonton.