Stargazing is a daily assortment of Dallas Stars news, as well as a look at what's happening around the Pacific division and the rest of the NHL. Stargazing will run on Mondays and Thursdays, becoming a daily feature once the preseason begins.

Yesterday the NHL released the 2009-2010 schedule in it's entirety, and Stars fans learned that only 79 days separate them and another 82 game roller coaster. This morning we'll look at the schedule highlights, some interesting numbers as to just how much the Stars will be traveling, a Stars assistant coach moves on, The Texas Stars are getting ready, and other news and notes from around the league.

Stars News and Notes:

The Stars will open the schedule at home against the Nashville Predators on a Saturday night, October 3rd. The schedule starts a week earlier this year, takes two weeks off for the Olympic break in February, and finishes at the normal time in April. The games come a little faster this year at times, and for players going to Vancouver in February to represent their country, this could be quite the marathon season.

Defending Big D yesterday:

Longest homestand: Six games (March 12 - March 21)

Longest road trip: Five games (December 8 - December 17; this trip is three games on the West coast, two games on the East coast)

Busiest month: March is going to be brutal, but at most of the games are at home. 16 games (7 away) in 29 days with never more than one day off between games.

Follow the jump as Dallasstars.com breaks the schedule down, and Dirk Hoag provides some great insight into the Stars' schedule:

Games by Conference/Division:
Western Conference (64) - Pacific Division (24) Northwest Division (20) Central Division (20)
Eastern Conference (18) - Southeast Division (6) Atlantic Division (7) Northeast Division (5)

1st Half/2nd Half: The Stars will play 21 of their first 41 games at home, while finishing the second half with 20 of the final 41 games at home.

Back-to-Back Series:
Overall:                                                                           13
Back-to-back at home:                                                 1   
Back-to-back on road:                                                 6   
Home game followed by road game next day:       4
Road game followed by home game next day:     2  

...

Dirk Hoag at On The Forecheck does a tremendous job each season breaking down the numbers around the league for how much each team travels during that year, how many back to backs, etc. Here are the Stars numbers:

That red box? That signifies that Dallas will be traveling the 2nd most miles of any team in the NHL, with Calgary traveling the most. Be sure to head on over and the see the rest of the league's numbers, it's a great read.

Mike Heika recaps the unfolding Sergei Zubov  saga, agreeing that he'll probably be moving on from big D. He smartly points out the difference in opinion between the Stars and Zubov's agent:

"He's gone through a very serious injury and a very serious surgery, and he's still in a very serious rehab," Nieuwendyk said. "We'd love to talk to him after he has more information about his recovery. We want to keep that door open, but we can't do it until we have more information."

Zubov declined comment.

Grossman said doctors believe Zubov will be ready to play next season and that his health is not an issue.

So which is it? Do you agree with the Stars that it's best not to gamble? Or should they take a chance in your opinion?

TSN: Long time Stars assistant Mark Lamb moves on...

Former Dallas Stars assistant coach Mark Lamb has agreed to a two-year deal as coach and GM of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos.

A native of Swift Current, the 45-year-old was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1982 and was well-traveled as a player, going on to spend time with Calgary, the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

Also see the Regina Leader Post on Lamb.

Meanwhile in Cedar Park, the Texas Stars are busy preparing for their first season [News 8 Austin]:

On Wednesday the Stars gave us a look around and introduced the new coaching staff, which includes head man Glen Gulutzan, who moves up from the Las Vegas Wranglers of the East Coast Hockey League.

...

"Joe and I have talked many times and we're on top of it. Joe's
going to control the big club and oversee us but he's letting us do
our thing making sure all the peices are together so we put our
prospects in the proper position to develop," said Texas Stars general manager Scott White.

Hill Country News on Texas Stars coaching staff

Also, at Andrew's Stars Page, Stars prospect Philip Larsen talks about his Danish heritage, and the unique company in which he could find himself if he makes the NHL as a defenseman from Denmark.

Around the Pacific:

• Coyotes sign Korpikoski to two year contract (TSN)
  
• Wisniewski to stay with Ducks for at least one season more. [LA Times]
  
• Ducks like the look of their schedule
  
• Inside Bay Area: Sharks add "agitator", sign Scott Nichol.

Around the NHL:

• Vancouver Sun: Canucks to go on 14 day road trip due to Olympics. If they can survive that, they'll finish the season with 10 of 15 at home.
  
• MLB.com: Winter Classic officially comes to Fenway
  
• NBC still wants NHL games, extends contract through 2011