Stargazing: Jason Williams Signs With Penguins, Other Nearly-Stars Related News Items

by Brad Gardner on Jul 28, 2011 7:01 AM CDT in Dallas Stars News

#27 was worn by Cheechoo in preseason, then Jason Williams. Hopefully Adam Pardy will have better luck with it.

Did I say Stargazing? I might have meant Star-Glancing. Such is life in the NHL these days as all of hockey-dom has gone on vacation and we peasants are left to sift through the ether, searching for tiny internet morsels of goodness to consume.

I didn't really find any last night, but here it is anyway. Leading off is Puck Daddy's conclusion of their top 25 lists at the forward position. It's always hard to know what to call Jamie Benn if you're a Stars fan and if you're on the outside looking in it must be harder still, but the fact that he's left off of all three lists in favor of some pretty notable suspect characters is... well, it's right on par with being a Stars fan today.

Whatever position you think he plays, review his hockey-god-like streak since coming back from injury in late February, watch film of him killing penalties in the other team's zone (over and over and over again) and tell me he wasn't THE alpha male on the ice in nearly every game down the stretch. I am just a homer, right? At any rate, James Neal is on the list and Benn isn't. I suspect we'll have more on that later but for now: I wish other team's coaching staffs would ignore Benn as much as the average hockey/blogger fan does.

Dallas_stars_news_and_notes_medium

This was behind the DMN paywall but it escaped somehow, making it into the Bellingham Herald, among other places I suspect. So enjoy Mike Heika's premium content for free on Paul Jerrard and his rare status as a black coach in the NHL. [Bellingham Herald]
In discussion of all the big names out there still looking for jobs. Marty Turco and Mike Modano are of particular interest to us, and August is coming. Are these guys going to find work or not? [Toronto Star]
The aforementioned Puck Daddy piece on left wings. Ryan Smyth and James Neal ahead of the absent Jamie Benn... I'll let you sound off on that one. [Puck Daddy]
Good piece on someone we should all be excited about: John Klingberg. Dallasstars.com looks at the defensive prospect, where he'll play next season, and Les Jackson calls him "slippery and elusive." [dallasstars.com]
Turning to social media for news... we have... uhh.. Facebook. Apparently the Dallas Stars Foundation donated $25,000 to "Dallas LIFE", who ministers to the homeless. [Facebook]
The Penguins sign Jason Williams, who finished his season with Dallas last year. National media is writing blogs about him? Funny that didn't happen when he signed with the Stars. [CBS Sports]
Looking at the what-if scenario of taking the top 16 teams in the league to the playoffs rather than the top eight from each conference. The Stars would have been in last year, of course. Just barely. [on goal analysis]

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I agree in wishing NHL coaches paid as much attention to Benn as the national media does

It would be a lot more interesting to hear the top 10 or 15 in each position as determined by the coaches. Maybe split between Eastern and Western Conferences. I think that would be much more telling of who the perceived threats are. I doubt we’ll ever see this poll…but still it would be nice.

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 8:59 AM CDT reply actions

The way those puck daddy lists are going

I wouldn’t be surprised if they did a top 25 d-men list with Niskanen and a top 25 goalie list without Kari. And I was actually surprised Morrow was that high on the LW list, so at least we got a little respect but then lost it all with no Benn.

by chris1989 on Jul 28, 2011 9:20 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

haha re Niskanen

THAT would be the day…gulp

by spatulacity on Jul 28, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

He

by Yourethebestbellows on Jul 28, 2011 5:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

He had Erik Johnson at #10

That is absolutely laughable. I’m guessing Kari will be in the 10-15 range.

by Yourethebestbellows on Jul 28, 2011 5:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Even better was Phaneuf at #15

And we get snubbed. Again. Despite them putting Victor Hedman, a player who had 20 less points than Gogo. Even Vishnovsky got snubbed and as much as I hate the Ducks, I have to admit that he is one hell of a thorn in our side.

by Virginian Star on Jul 28, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions

the "woe is me" thing is getting old

yes, the Ribeiro omission is certainly puzzling and debatable. but you can point out the fact that Puck Daddy has Morrow at 7th for LW and Loui 15th for RW.

Benn, yes he is still flying under the radar but as you stated he played Wing and Center…and was hurt…and was on a team on a ridiculous skid to end the year. none of which helps him with offseason rankings.

ok, the coasts get all the attention; yadda, yadda…but until the Stars turn this thing around it’s only going to be even more frustrating from a “recognition” stand point.

by spatulacity on Jul 28, 2011 9:21 AM CDT reply actions

highlight video music?

Hey guys I’ve been practicing making some highlight videos and I wanted to make a big video of the Dallas stars 10-11 season, but I have no idea what music to use. Any ideas?

by ablack88 on Jul 28, 2011 9:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Music from Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog!

LOL. Seriously though, you can’t go wrong with Breaking Benjamin, RED, or Skillet

by PSyCo2012 on Jul 28, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks!

Along with your usual insightful hockey analysis, you have now opened a new horizon for this 50 year old fart. Love me some BB, RED, and Skillet. Listened to “I Will Not Bow”, “Monster” and “Breathe Into Me” for the first time just now. You’re helping keep me young.

Unidentified, but reliable sources have informed the Times Herald that a St. Petersburg, Florida retirement community is negotiating with the Hicks Sports Group for the purchase of the Dallas Stars. "I don't believe it. Dickie Dunn wrote that. It's gotta be true. That's fantastic!"

by WhoMe? on Jul 28, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

you have no idea how happy you just made me :D

and what is this insightful hockey analysis you speak of? ;-)

by PSyCo2012 on Jul 28, 2011 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do

Great, that song will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Jul 28, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

you know it makes you happy

by PSyCo2012 on Jul 28, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

It's a brand new day, and the sun is high

All the birds are singing that you’re gonna die.

Ah, one of my favorites

Graham's Sports Crackers...they're tasty!

Never, under any circumstances, should you ever make fun of Brandon Worley.

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jul 28, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

How can you hate this guy?

Graham's Sports Crackers...they're tasty!

Never, under any circumstances, should you ever make fun of Brandon Worley.

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jul 28, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Let's be modern and just use anything AutoTuned

Yeah…right
Seriously though…I say you can’t go wrong with Foo Fighters…but that’s just my favorite. Hmmm..trying to think non 90’s grunge.

Breaking Benjamin is a good choice though for newer stuff and perhaps Chevelle…although most everything they do sounds the same. Godsmack had a few good ones as did Staind before they went sappy. Linkin Park can work. Or you can go older and harder with Iron Maiden or Joe Satriani.

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

"Raining Blood" by Slayer

Goes especially well with Benn vs Iginla and would be a nod to Jere.

What the Puck?

by DirtyBrotenScoundrel on Jul 28, 2011 12:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

or

In anticipation of the new season you could use “Ready to Start” by Arcade Fire. They’re from Canada and its a great song.

What the Puck?

by DirtyBrotenScoundrel on Jul 28, 2011 12:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

sorry I can't stop now

Check out “bizness” and “gangsta” by tUnE-yArDs. It’s not what you would think and it could be a good alternative for the highlight reel. All the parts where she sings “I’m a victim now” would go well with takeaways and goalie larceny.

What the Puck?

by DirtyBrotenScoundrel on Jul 28, 2011 1:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Go with Pantera

Not too many pro teams have a theme song and the Stars are blessed to have a fight song made by an amazing TX band.

by T-rom on Jul 28, 2011 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Puck Daddy

PD is biased and set up for the casual hockey viewer, so they will always go with the better known team, the well known guys or teams. It’s kind of a trend with them.

Dallas will not be considered a big enough threat to pay much attention to until we start pulling some serious numbers in winning, but why is that such a bad thing? Jamie Benn can keep stripping and scoring without anyone knowing who he is, and honestly? I love watching him score a shorty when I’m with friends and them asking me who this kid is. Because I can sit back, laugh and ask where they have been over the past year.

I want him to stay under the radar until he’s signed longterm. Because I don’t want there to be any chance he can go to another team, like the Blackhawks and be the second line center for Marian Hossa and someone else.

by justanotherhockeychick on Jul 28, 2011 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

"stripping and scoring" ?

That just doesn’t sound right :)

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1 lol

by PSyCo2012 on Jul 28, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions

you know what

im cool with flying under the radar, nobody picked the mavs to do anything this year and look how that turned out…

by the way worst e-news ever...

by heyitsthatguy! on Jul 28, 2011 10:34 AM CDT reply actions

I see what you're getting at, but you can't always make that point, since those are two different things

/debbiedowner

Graham's Sports Crackers...they're tasty!

Never, under any circumstances, should you ever make fun of Brandon Worley.

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jul 28, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

i didn't mean they were going to win the cup this year

but being overlooked is always an advantage, people take you lightly and then you can suprise them. there are countless examples of this in every sport, being able to sneak up on your opponent is a good thing and this team should be able to do that.

by the way worst e-news ever...

by heyitsthatguy! on Jul 29, 2011 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

stealth is nice. Let’s keep it that way. Nobody will see us coming!

Graham's Sports Crackers...they're tasty!

Never, under any circumstances, should you ever make fun of Brandon Worley.

by DFWTrojanTuba on Jul 29, 2011 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions

where can i find robidas save against nashville

I wanted that for the highlight video I am making, but I can’t find the video

by ablack88 on Jul 28, 2011 11:36 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

The one where he covered the post and made 2 or 3 saves in a row? That was awesome

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah! that one

I can’t find the video

by ablack88 on Jul 28, 2011 12:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Mike Modano

on the Ticket at 1:30

How many former Stars does that mean Pittsburgh has picked up now. I think 3

Sydor Conner now Williams plus Neal and Niskanen

Now playing his first season with the Dallas Stars as a defenseman #44 STUDLY WONDERBOMB

by jordan.saleh on Jul 28, 2011 1:10 PM CDT reply actions

The Great Colin Mochrie from Whose Line is It Anyway on now

They don’t make television like that anymore.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Jul 28, 2011 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

They show an hour of that on ABC Family at night

I was watching it last night and forgot just how damn funny it is

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Well im just about finished with that highlight video

I just need to watch it over touch it up and put it on YouTube

by ablack88 on Jul 28, 2011 1:21 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Hmm... It's interesting to see where Turco goes.

And when.

Good times are here and Stars will take what belongs to them. Sooner or Later.

by Henri Muroke on Jul 28, 2011 1:40 PM CDT reply actions

As sad to see it as it is...

I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sit through part of the season until there are some injuries or other starters tank and then someone will sign him as a backup.

by RB16 on Jul 28, 2011 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Video is up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TypS9N2ax9E
Tell me what you think

by ablack88 on Jul 28, 2011 1:42 PM CDT reply actions

Nice.

Good times are here and Stars will take what belongs to them. Sooner or Later.

by Henri Muroke on Jul 28, 2011 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

You used Skillet!

I. Love. You.

by PSyCo2012 on Jul 28, 2011 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Things we're learning during the Modano interview

Detroit’s team plane is exactly set up for long haul flights.

Like from Detroit to San Jose.

To be fair, San Jose’s team plane had to stop in Las Vegas to refuel after it left Dallas for the trip home after a 6-3 throttling at the hands of the Stars in a March afternoon matinee in 2000.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Jul 28, 2011 2:09 PM CDT reply actions

Isn't exactly

Spell check is my friend.

Writer for Defending Big D

by Brandon Bibb on Jul 28, 2011 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

relax about the rankings

it’s rankings based on what he thinks will happen next year. Benn is a better player than Neal, but Neal will be playing with Crosby and Malkin and Benn will be playing on a cap-floor team.

by Newt Goodler on Jul 28, 2011 2:22 PM CDT reply actions

true

But these are the first articles that he has ever written for Puck Daddy. Plus, some of his choices are a bit odd in terms of how many points they will produce. For instance, #24 on the d-men list is Anton Volchenkov of the New Jersey ~~Traps~~ Devils. McCraig says “Throwback defenseman might never score a goal…” Volchenkov had 8 points last year. 8 points! Gogo had more goals than that! And while Volchenkov might be better in his own zone, the basis for the rankings is obviously biased.

In addition, Lubomir Visnovsky led all defenders in points last season and was 14th the year before and is given an “honorable mention.” Wisniewski and Enstrom finished tied for fifth and neither make the top 25 in this guys rankings. If he has an actual formula as opposed to “seeing who ESPN shows the most highlights of” then I will take him more seriously. But for now, I see him as another Mac Engel type (for those from DFW): pretends to know what he’s talking about but actually has no clue.

/rant

by Virginian Star on Jul 29, 2011 6:54 AM CDT up reply actions