Hockey Guy is a big Brad Richards fan. So when the Stars acquired this speedy center from Tampa Bay, I figured this was a huge step for Dallas.

Richards, in fact, seemed like just the guy Blues could use as an offensive cornerstone.

But Richards is a pass-first guy. He needs the right linemates to play to play to his full potential. The Stars have struggled to assemble working offensive units – and coach Dave Tippett’s job is hanging in the balance as a result.

In 12 games, Richards has two goals, nine assists and a minus-two rating. This is not bad, but it isn’t great either.

The Stars did put a 7-2 beating on the Kings recently. But otherwise, look at their results from March:

L 3-1 Predators
L 2-1 Coyotes
L 3-1 Avalanche
W 3-0 Avalanche
L 5-3 Red Wings
L 4-3 Canucks
L 2-1 Ducks
L 4-2 Kings
L 3-2 Sharks
L 3-2 Ducks

That’s not good. Stars owner Tom Hicks is keeping an eye on things. “We know from the month of February that they’re perfectly capable of doing it,” Hicks told reporters. “That first game when Brad Richards joined us with five assists, maybe people thought things were going to be easier. The only way you’re going to win in hockey is with effort. We have to outwork the other team.”

AROUND THE RINKS: Among the hot issues of the off-season will be the status of veteran players. Will Mats Sundin retire? Will Scott Niedermeyer retire again, this time for good? Hockey Guy’s guess: No and yes . . . Goaltender Cristobal Huet has made a favorable impression on the Capitals, so that team will try to sign the pending free agent. But he could draw heavy bidding from teams like Ottawa and LA . . . Former Blues goaltender Patrick Lalime could also hit the free agency market – and he helped himself with his steady work for Chicago this season . . . Washouts Marc Denis and Ray Emery could also hit the market, but either would represent a gamble for the Blues . . . Bryan Murray didn’t exactly fire up the Senators by cashiering John Paddock as coach and taking over himself. Ottawa went 6-7-2 in its first 15 games after the change . . . Old friend Joel Quenneville doesn’t have a coaching contract for next year – and he could have multiple suitors if Colorado turns him loose . . . The Peoria Rivermen will need a big push to reach the AHL playoffs. The Blues hoped the team would reach postseason play and allow some prospects to get additional experience . . . The University of North Dakota needed a dramatic late rally to get past Wisconsin and stay alive in the NCAA Tournament. “They had us on the ropes there a little bit,” Blues prospect T.J. Oshie told the Grand Forks Herald. “Then we just played intense and relaxed and just played our game. We were sitting back a little bit and letting them make plays. That’s not our game. We’re best when we’re on offense and we have the puck.”