Now that the compete level has been set, how do the Stars progress?

FRISCO, Texas -- As much as Wednesday's overtime loss stung, Joe Pavelski says those types of games are the easy ones to move on from. Contrast that with Monday's performance (a 4-1 loss in Columbus) and the reasoning becomes clear.

"Those nights like Wednesday] are disappointing when you don't get the points when you play how you want to play and compete," the veteran forward said after practice on Thursday. "Those are almost the ones that are easier to flush because you gave an honest effort. You didn't get a bounce or whatever it was. You just found a way to lose."
Make no mistake - the players weren't pleased with how the game ended, but the effort and compete level was at a level they can build on.
"You're pissed off over it, but you know the message is 'If we play that game, more often than not we're winning,'" he said. "That's the standard. That's where we want to be at."
There's no question the Stars took it to a wounded Vegas Golden Knights team all game long. They held the upper hand in nearly every statistical category, yet in the span of a few minutes late in regulation, what should've been a feel-good victory turned into a disheartening 3-2 overtime defeat.
In other words, it was a shocking turn of events.
By Thursday morning, however, the team's collective spirit was high. Practice was brisk and upbeat. Pavelski says they aren't dwelling on the result from Wednesday. Instead, they're looking at it as the standard in terms of level of play.
"It was a direct game, and it started with our compete level," he said. "It was a game we wanted to go out and win. You saw it up and down the lineup. Guys were engaged and ready to play. We were feeling good and did a lot of the little things right. The process was there. It was one of our most complete games. That's how you win in this league. You have to put that game out continuously. You're going to find some wins."
His line with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz was flying. The chemistry, he says, was immediate.
"It felt that way," Pavelski said. "It felt like we had the puck. It felt like we had it in the middle of the ice making some plays with some opportunities at the net. With a little finish, we should've had a couple."
Pavelski says the presence of Robertson and Blake Comeau, who both made their season debuts against Vegas, gave the team a boost.
"It was good energy from those two," he said. "Simple plays. Robo is smart, good with the puck and finds himself in a lot of good areas. He's been around this group, so he knows what it's about. Comeau, coming out there hitting bodies, holding onto the puck and doing his thing, those things are welcomed."
Bowness echoed those sentiments, saying the duo gave the team some juice right off the opening draw.
"Blake's first shift, he went right out and ran over somebody," he said. "He couldn't wait to get into contact. He'll need a couple games to get up to speed. You saw Robo making some great plays with the puck. He's got to get up to speed. Just getting them back gave us a boost."
If the Stars are true to their word, we should see another energized effort Friday against the Senators. These clubs met in the opening week of the season, a 3-2 victory for Ottawa. Like the Blue Jackets, the Senators have a bunch of young players who work hard and compete. The Stars were guilty of getting out-worked in Columbus.
"We have another level," said Pavelski. "Last night gave us what we kind of want, but now it's holding it to that standard. That's what we expect - that type of game. Now, we have to get there.
"So much of it is a process, and the No. 1 with that is competitiveness. There have been times when we've messed around with it a little bit too much and gotten extended shifts. You felt it in the building. You felt the momentum. That was a game we win nine out of 10 times."
NOTE:Jamie Benn wasn't on the ice for practice on Thursday, but Bowness said it was simply a maintenance day for the captain. Benn has appeared in all seven games this season.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.