Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Top Predators 2-1 in Central Showdown

Last night, the Stars defeated the Predators 2-1 to pick up their first win against a Central Division opponent this season. Kari Lehtonen stopped 27 shots, and both Adam Cracknell and Jason Spezza scored for Dallas.

Mike Heika has more on the game and the adjustments that Lindy Ruff made ahead of puck drop.

Ruff said the Stars needed a structural change as well as a philosophical one. Not only did they need to shoot the puck more after averaging just 24 a game in the first two contests, they needed to drive harder toward the net and get into the tough areas of the ice. Dallas finished with a 37-28 advantage in shots on goal.

"For me, it's more of a focus of if we get people going to the net, the puck will go there," Ruff said before the game. "We've got to get back to Stars hockey, which is ramping up the attempts, looking for second opportunities, looking for scrums around the front of the net."

Here’s a look at Spezza’s game-winner.

And here’s what Lehtonen had to say about the win.

There’s more waiting for you at the link. [game]

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Razor also had plenty of thoughts on the game.

Meanwhile, in Cedar Park, Maxime Lagace has been shining. [Stars]

Devin Shore’s past injuries taught him a lot about mental toughness; now he’s ready to prove himself on the ice. [SportsDayDFW]

Matt Duchene went flying last night.

Take a peek at Elliotte Friedman’s latest 30 Thoughts, which include takes on the CBA, a quote of the week, and a rumor about the Stars being interested in Dustin Brown (don’t worry—it wasn’t true). [Sportsnet]

Scoring is up, the Maple Leafs are winning, and other early season story lines we probably shouldn’t get used to. [Sportsnet]

Congratulations to Marian Hossa, who scored his 500th goal last night in the Blackhawks’ 7-4 win over the Flyers.

What are rookies not named Auston Matthews getting up to this season? [TSN]

With Ryan Miller dealing with injury, University of British Columbia senior Matt Hewitt stepped in as the emergency backup goalie for the Canucks last night. [CBC]

Join Phil Kessel as he spins the Penguins’ Social Media Wheel and goes through Media Day.

When we finally (finally) learn what the NHL’s Las Vegas team will be called, it will all be worthy it. At least according to Bill Foley. [SI]

Next up, the Stars take on the Kings at the AAC at 7:30 p.m. See y’all then.