Sturm Blog: A Little Turco Talk

Bob Sturm

On one hand, last night in Detroit was quite predictable.  Let's be honest - Detroit is not going to continue the streak of poor play in their home rink forever.  They had scored 2 goals total in their last 4 home games, so it might have been a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
 
But, on the other hand, this might have been a case of Marty Turco in Detroit.  1-9-2 is his career record in Detroit, and 5-12-5 in his career anywhere against the Red Wings.  Marty was not very strong last night, and after his performance in Phoenix on Friday, I think we could label this a rough stretch - as his last 6 or 7 games have not been what they need to be. 
 
Now, in both cases, it can be explained away because the offense provided very little help in either of those games, but that is always a slippery slope, because less than air-tight goaltending can deflate a bench the same way that an amazing save can inspire your side.
 
Which reminds us of one of the prevailing story lines in this 2009-10 season.   Will the Stars seek to lock Marty up any time soon with his contract expiring this season?  Is Marty, in some way, attempting to prove to the new Stars hierarchy that he is worth the big money that he has been paid?   Does Marty respond well to uncertainty in his future?   He will turn 35 next August, so is this an easy decision for the Stars to get a deal done?
 
And, are the Stars doing business of that magnitude in the middle of the season anyway?  Or, do they wait until this season plays out to decide - but then risk the idea of people driving up Marty's price on the open market?
 
Many questions surround their direction, since we don't exactly know the M.O. of Nieuwendyk and Crawford, now do we?  And, the idea that they do not have a young goalie waiting in the wings makes this extra interesting as well.  The question for an organization must always be, if we go in another direction, where does that get us?  That question generally brings you back to Marty being the best answer you have.
 
I am interested to see how Marty bounces back from this.  I have discussed at great length about how his blueline needs to be stronger, too.  But, for now, the Stars have what they have and must figure out how to get it done with that, as it appears no help is on the way to save this inconsistent roller coaster ride we seem to be on.
 
But, in the NHL it begins and ends between the pipes.

Email Bob at Sturm1310@aol.com and follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/bobanddan

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