To be fair to the Stars, every opponent presents different challenges, and Dallas has to gather as many points as possible to make a run at the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division.
But when you look at a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday with a fine-tooth comb, there is reason for concern in the long-term.
Since September, the Stars and Lightning have played 10 times, with Tampa Bay winning eight of them. That's a little alarming when you consider that if -- if-- Dallas can make the playoffs, there's a really good chance it will meet the Lightning in the first round.
Another Stars loss to Lightning may be cause for long-term concern
Dallas -- yet to beat Tampa Bay this season -- gets the game's first goal, but not much else the rest of the way
![Heika_@](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_png/prd/wfxfhwasvowaf5xr6pgx.png)
Bowness says Stars 'sat back too much' in 2nd period
DAL Recap: Hintz scored the lone goal in a 2-1 loss