DALLAS, TX ??? Just four months ago, the atmosphere around the American Airlines Center was toxic. The Dallas Stars were reeling, mired in a losing streak that saw them plummet to the bottom of the Western Conference. In the dark corners of the internet and over the airwaves of local sports talk radio, the "T-word" began to circulate: Tank.

The rumors were specific. It was whispered that the front office was ready to wave the white flag, preserve their first-round draft pick, and execute a scorched-earth rebuild. But they forgot one thing: Brett Hull doesn't do "losing on purpose."

The Turning Point
In a now-legendary post-game press conference following a dismal home loss in January, Head Coach Brett Hull slammed his hand on the podium and silenced the room.

"I hear the talk about picks and 'tanking.' It???s offensive," Hull growled. "We have the talent in this locker room to beat anyone in this league. I???m not here to lose, and these players aren't here to fail. We are going to turn this around, and we're going to do it now."

The defiance worked. Since that night, the Stars have been the hottest team in hockey, surging into the Top 5 of the NHL standings and transforming from a lottery hopeful into a genuine Stanley Cup contender.
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