DALLAS — Two of the NHL’s top scoring defensemen will go head-to-head on Tuesday when the Dallas Stars host the Washington Capitals. John Klingberg is tied for the scoring lead amongst defensemen with 27 points (four goals, 23 assists) in 34 games, while Capitals defenseman John Carlson is tied for third with 25 (three goals, […]
Gemel Smith refusing to take anything for granted, still fighting for NHL spot
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — Gemel Smith is the Energizer Bunny of the Dallas Stars roster. Like the iconic battery mascot, he just keeps going and going whenever given the opportunity. “He doesn’t stop,” Jason Spezza said. “Even when he was up a bit last season, he never stops moving, never stops working.” It’s something that […]
Stars need more from their top players, and Hitch isn’t afraid to call them out
Eight months ago I met up with former Dallas Stars defenseman and color analyst Craig Ludwig for beers and an interview. After discussing Stars history and reliving some of the glory days for my book project, Ludwig started talking about Stars coach Ken Hitchcock, who had recently been re-hired by the organization. “Hitch is tough […]
STARS MAILBAG: Shootouts, home and away goalies, and an update on Nichushkin
No one asked about Valeri Nichushkin this week. Nichushkin has been a hot topic in past mailbags, and today I actually have a good answer. So, and I can’t believe I’m doing this, I will pose the question myself: Any update on Val? Yes. After talking to several people, some in Dallas and some not, […]
How do the Dallas Stars use analytics?
Jim Nill is in the information business. The Dallas Stars general manager is always gathering and evaluating data. He’s an old scout that watches countless hours of hockey both on video and in person each week, while he spends seemingly just as much time on the phone with contacts around the league. “There aren’t many […]
Kari Lehtonen isn’t acting like a back-up, and it’s a luxury for the Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars don’t want Kari Lehtonen to act like a back-up goalie. Even as he’s stepped into a more traditional back-up role, the Finnish goalie prepares like he’s the starter. He puts in extra work each day with goalie coach Jeff Reese, and he prefers to let his play — as cliched as this […]