Each Monday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Ray Buck and NBC 5's Newy Scruggs go at it in a point-counterpoint on the sporting issues of the day.

E-mail Ray Buck at rbuck@star-telegram.com or Newy Scruggs at info@newdawg.com and maybe your question will appear in an upcoming column.

News flash: Local sports fans are pulled from the postseason abyss by the Dallas Stars. How surprising is that?

NEW DAWG: Surprising to see them beat the defending Stanley Cup champs. That’s what impressed me. They took it to a club that won it all just a year ago. Marty Turco was fantastic in the pipes, and this time Turks got scoring help. He was so good against Anaheim that we aren’t even talking about him. Great series win ... maybe NBC will put the Stars on during this next round, eh?
BUCK: Man, your team wins one lousy playoff round in five years and you start talking Canadian on us -- eh? The bandwagon is fully loaded. The Stars are aligned. The network boys are late. But I can’t help but think that the Stars’ first-round breakthrough (as rousing as 18,500 raucous fans can make it sound) shines an even harsher light on the Cowboys and Mavs, who have become lollygaggers without the lolly.

Which of the three "need" positions -- RB, WR, CB -- can the Cowboys afford to address last in the NFL draft this weekend?

NEW DAWG: Easy one: Wide receiver. The Cowboys lost their nickel and dime backs in free agency. You must have four good corners with the schedule they play. RB Marion Barber needs a backup, and the Cowboys may need to let Barber go after this season if he’s hellbent on a $60 million contract. I say the Cowboys use the 22nd pick on a running back because Pittsburgh and San Diego will probably take one before the Cowboys’ 28th selection.
BUCK: I’ve said all along -- even with a pickup of Pacman -- the Cowboys’ first-round priorities in this draft are cornerback and running back. Wide receiver is something they get through free agency or a draft-day deal. If not ... Rounds 2-4. The Cowboys have their full complement of picks. Don’t panic. Don’t get cute. In other words, don’t Quincy around on us, please.

Can the Stars get past Round 2 (vs. San Jose or Colorado)?

NEW DAWG: I think the Stars can beat anybody in the league except the Red Wings. Personally, I’d like to take a road trip to San Jose.
BUCK: I haven’t quite punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals yet -- but this Stars team is playing with a heavy dose of purpose: What is happening may never come again. In the age of sports parity, there is nothing wrong with being a one-hit wonder. Yeah, I see them getting to the Western Conference Finals.

Is the Mavs’ biggest problem in these playoffs 1) offensive, 2) defensive or 3) psychological?

NEW DAWG: How about this, Ray? The Hornets are better, it’s that simple. The Hornets have a better team and the Mavs can’t beat them in seven games.
BUCK: Newy, you’re not helping their bruised and battered psyches at all -- and, really, that’s the crux of the problem. At the first whiff of trouble, this team can’t score the basketball ... or get any stops. I, for one, am going to suggest that the Basketball Hall of Fame erect a special wing for “Mavericks’ Playoff Opponents” -- let’s see, Dwyane Wade ... Baron Davis ... Chris Paul.

Is Marion Barber worth LaDainian Tomlinson money, as his agent contends?

NEW DAWG: The Cowboys should pray Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart is there at No. 22. At 235 pounds, Stewart can be an every-down back. Let Stewart back up Barber for one season. After 2008, “franchise” Barber. Then let him and Drew Rosenhaus go find a team, get a first-round pick in return ... and wash their hands of him. Barber is no LT. Last time I checked, LT is a starter and a fulltime workhorse.
BUCK: Last time I checked, Marion Barber III was a momentum-changer, a difference-maker, a guy who elevated his team with his actions — and attitude. OK, Newy, MBIII isn’t LT right now, but only through a convoluted “if-it’s-not-broke-don’t-fix-it” mentality by two different Cowboys coaching staffs, Barber has not been give a full-time role for 16 games to prove himself. Right now, Barber is a restricted free agent. Compensate him fairly and pay him the big bucks next year ... but don’t let him slip out the door.

Should Danica Patrick jump to NASCAR now that she’s won an IndyCar race?

NEW DAWG: Maybe she won an Indy race because the best drivers have jumped to NASCAR. That IndyCar series has lost some great talent -- Sam Hornish Jr. and Dario Franchitti just this year. I’m happy she won because now we may see more doors open for women in Indy. I wish more fans would watch it. It’s incredible to watch in person.
BUCK: Danica proved what most racing enthusiasts already knew -- she’s no novelty act. Her historic win in the Land of the Rising Sun was one giant leap for motorsports. But this woman has more victory lanes in her future ... and, hopefully, she can join the NASCAR boys someday. Hey ... it’s become a natural evolution: open-wheel to boogity, boogity, boogity.