Dallas Stars Daily Links: Denis Gurianov Finding Place with Texas Stars

If you’re looking for a bright spot this season, here’s one: Denis Gurianov is hitting his stride with the Texas Stars. Sean Shapiro’s latest at Wrong Side of the Red Line takes a look at Gurianov’s development and how he’s adjusted to life in North America—from the faster game to getting his driver’s license.

Here’s how Texas Stars head coach Derek Laxdal describes Gurianov:

“Denis has been the type of player that when he needs something, you are willing to do it for him,” Texas Stars coach Derek Laxdal said. “He’s so open to learning, and he cares, and you want to help because you root for him a little bit.”

Gurianov also talked about how playing for Russia at the World Juniors helped him improve back in the AHL.

“World junior helped me because I played a lot at world junior and I played a lot now (with Texas),” Gurianov said. “Played on power play, played double shifts, coaches in national team give me much time. When I went to Texas and I came back, I play a lot on power play.”

There’s more on Gurianov at the link. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]

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Happy Valentine’s Day! After you send these hockey-themed cards, celebrate by having your heart broken by the Stars when they inevitably find some new and cruel way to lose to the Jets tonight. (Puck drops at 7 p.m.)

Jere Lehtinen talks about what it means to have his number retired. [NHL]

"Couldn't be better going with Mike, playing with him almost all my years," Lehtinen said. "He showed me how to play top level hockey and get me there, too. Now, everything is closing up together from where we started.

The latest episode of Sean Shapiro’s podcast is all about letting the people you love go.

And speaking of saying goodbye to Patrick Eaves, Pierre LeBrun speculates that he could be a good fit with the Blackhawks. [ESPN]

Jim Nill jumped on the radio to talk about the Stars yesterday morning.

Mike Heika answers your Stars questions in his latest chat. [SportsDayDFW]

Ralph Strangis will be filling in for Bob Miller, who’s recovering from a mild stroke, for the next seven Kings games.

The Matt Duchene trade rumors continue, and a look at other possible trade deadline moves. [Sportsnet]

And while we’re talking about Duchene, the Canadiens could use a little extra scoring help. [The Hockey News]

For the first time in 25 years, the Red Wings (probably) won't make the playoffs. [Five Thirty Eight]

Blues goalie Jake Allen thanked a fan who stuck with him during a rough stretch of play.

Should the Canucks be thinking about trading the Sedins? [Puck Daddy]

The All-Star Game will likely be headed back to Detroit. [CBS]

Over at TSN, Bob McKenzie breaks down the college free agent class. [TSN]

And finally, happy birthday, Razor!